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March 19, 2025

Lawmakers Recognize Georgia Franchising

In the aftermath of Georgia being ranked the top state for franchise growth in IFA's 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook, this week state Sen. Jason Esteves (D) introduced two resolutions in the Georgia legislature highlighting the importance of IFA’s work to advance franchising and the opportunities it creates, and recognizing franchise legend and IFA Past Chair Doc Cohen for his contributions to the business model. 

Why it matters: These resolutions, SR 312 and SR 313, celebrate Georgia’s thriving franchise sector, which continues to drive economic growth and job creation.

Zoom out: Presented and adopted on the Senate floor, the resolutions solidify the value of the business model and the importance of supporting policies to protect and strengthen Georgia’s vibrant franchise sector.

IFA Urges Rejection of Overtime Rule

IFA sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Trump administration to abandon its defense of the Biden-era overtime rule in court. 

Why it matters: Supported by 90 organizations, the letter highlights concerns that the rule’s salary threshold increases and automatic updates would harm employers and employees, particularly by reducing flexibility and increasing costs. 

Go deeper: In July 2024, IFA and a coalition of business groups successfully challenged the final overtime rule, but the two cases are still moving through the federal court system. 

IFA-Backed Missouri Bill Advances

In positive news for Missouri franchises in the fight against inappropriate joint employment liability, last week lawmakers in the Show-Me-State advanced HB 1068 in the House Economic Development Committee by a unanimous 13-0 vote.

Why it matters: The bill sponsored by Rep. Matthew Overcast (R-155) and co-sponsored by Rep. Tonya Rush (D-67) now heads to the full House. The bill clarifies that franchisees and their employees are not considered employees of the franchisor, aligning with the IFA-supported federal joint employment standard that protects the independence of franchise businesses in Missouri. 

The big picture: IFA has successfully championed similar laws in 21 other states and will continue to support the bill as it progresses.

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IFA Opposes Maryland Business Tax

IFA is spearheading a coalition of more than 110 Maryland businesses and associations in opposition to a pair of Maryland bills: SB 1045, sponsored by Sen. Shelly Hettleman (D-011), and HB 1554, sponsored by Del. David Moon (D-020), which would apply a 2.5 percent tax to transactions between business-to-business services.

The big picture: Both bills received a hearing in the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee last week. They are expected to advance through the budget and reconciliation process as part of larger state budget recommendations.

Our thought bubble: View IFA's opposition in the ​House​ and ​Senate​​. Del. April Miller (R-04), a strong opponent of the proposed tax hike, has provided a resource for Maryland businesses and their impact here. 

IFA Halts New Mexico Franchise Bill

In New Mexico, IFA advocacy sunk the so-called Deceptive Franchise Practices Act (SB 439), sponsored by New Mexico Sen. Joshua Sanchez (R-29), for the remainder of the legislative session.

Why it matters: By mandating stricter oversight of franchise agreements, the bill would have created legal uncertainty and harmed the long-standing business model in the state.

What's next: IFA highlighted its concerns with the bill to members of the Committee and the bill sponsor ahead of the hearing. Discussions around franchise regulations in New Mexico are likely to continue, and IFA will keep a watchful eye.

White House Rescinds $15 Contractor Wage

On Friday, March 14, President Trump rescinded Executive Order 14026, a mandate issued by former President Biden that increased the minimum wage for federal contractors, such as franchisees that operate at national parks and other federal installations.

Go deeper: Under that now-repealed rule, federal contractors were required to pay employees a minimum wage of $17.75 per hour as of January 1, 2025. President Trump’s rescission of the rule means that contractors are now required to pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour or the applicable state minimum wage if higher. 

The big picture: On the same day, Trump also repealed Biden-era orders relating to the promotion of specified labor standards on government contracts, as well as expanding the use of registered apprenticeships on federal contracts.

Senate Advances Stablecoin Legislation

By a bipartisan 18-6 vote, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee last week advanced the GENIUS Act, a bill that establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. 

Background: Stablecoins are cryptocurrency tokens pegged to the value of a fiat currency like the U.S dollar. IFA President and CEO Matt Haller is the Executive Director of the Payment Choice Coalition, which is comprised of small business owners, franchises and other merchants seeking to establish a bipartisan legislative framework for stablecoin issuance to lower costs for franchise owners.



Why it matters: For franchise businesses, the bill’s focus on maintaining innovation within the U.S. could foster a more stable and predictable financial environment, potentially benefiting businesses that rely on digital transactions and financial stability.