SR312: SR312 International Franchise Association; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It praises the International Franchise Association (IFA), a trade group that advocates for franchise businesses, for its work supporting franchising in Georgia and across the country. The resolution cites statistics about franchising's economic impact, including figures on jobs and economic output nationally and in Georgia, and notes that Georgia was recently named the top state for franchise growth. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the International Franchise Association as a formal token of recognition.

• Formally recognizes and commends the International Franchise Association for its contributions to economic growth and small business development.
• States Georgia's Senate view that franchising supports entrepreneurship among veterans, minorities, and women.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the International Franchise Association.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute or impose any legal obligation.

The resolution directly names the International Franchise Association as its honoree. It also references Georgia-based franchise brands and the broader franchise industry, though it creates no legal requirements for any business, agency, or individual.

Because this is a commendatory resolution rather than binding legislation, it has no direct legal or financial effect on Georgians. Its practical significance is symbolic: an official statement from the Georgia Senate praising the franchise industry's economic role in the state.

• The whereas clauses recite statistics on franchising's economic impact nationally (over 830,800 establishments, 8.8 million jobs, $896 billion in output) and in Georgia (32,000 establishments, 340,600 jobs, $34.6 billion in economic activity).
• The resolution notes Georgia was named the No. 1 state for franchise growth and lists Georgia-headquartered franchise brands such as Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's, and Waffle House.
• The resolved clause has the Senate recognize and commend the International Franchise Association and wish it continued success.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the association.

1. 2025-03-03Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-28Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)Primary sponsor
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)

• franchise businesses
• small business
• economic development
• legislative recognition