Bill
SR 312
Georgia Senate recognizes and commends the International Franchise Association for boosting economic growth and entrepreneurial opportunity; ceremonial, nonbinding, copy to IFA.
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Classification: Resolution (ceremonial/non‑binding)
Note on source text
- The official version content filed under LC 112 3098 and the named sponsors (Esteves, Halpern, Orrock, McLaurin, Kemp, and others) is a Georgia Senate resolution that recognizes and commends the International Franchise Association (IFA).
- The packet also contains an unrelated draft text from the Illinois Senate congratulating the U.S. Navy on its 250th anniversary. That second text appears to be included in the file in error. The sponsors and legislative actions listed correspond to the Georgia resolution commending the IFA. This summary focuses on the Georgia resolution (IFA), while noting the anomalous Navy text.
Purpose and intent
- To formally recognize and commend the International Franchise Association for its contributions to economic growth, small business development, and entrepreneurial opportunity in Georgia and nationwide.
- To extend best wishes for the IFA’s continued success and to direct that a copy of the resolution be made available to the IFA.
Key provisions and content
- Findings and commendations:
- Describes franchising as a major economic driver nationally and in Georgia, citing statistics:
- Nationwide: over 830,800 franchise establishments; nearly 8.8 million direct jobs; $896 billion in economic output (~3% of U.S. GDP).
- Georgia: more than 32,000 franchise establishments; over 340,600 employees; more than $34.6 billion in annual economic activity.
- Notes franchising spans 300+ industry sectors (hospitality, automotive services, healthcare, retail, etc.).
- Highlights franchising’s role in expanding entrepreneurship among veterans, minorities, and women.
- Names Georgia‑headquartered franchise brands as examples (Chick‑fil‑A, Inspire Brands, Zaxby’s, Waffle House, Flying Biscuit Café, Holiday Inn, Primrose Schools).
- Notes Georgia was named the No. 1 state for franchise growth by the IFA.
- Formal actions:
- The Senate “recognizes and commends” the IFA for its contributions.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available for distribution to the IFA.
Who is affected / impact
- Primary beneficiary: International Franchise Association (ceremonial recognition).
- Broader impact: symbolic acknowledgment of the franchise sector’s economic contributions in Georgia and nationally — useful for public relations and stakeholder engagement but carries no regulatory or fiscal effect.
- No binding legal or budgetary consequences — this is a non‑binding, ceremonial resolution.
Procedural / timeline highlights
- Filed / received by Secretary of the Senate: March 20, 2025 (and related filing actions in March–May 2025).
- Senate read and adopted: multiple entries showing reads/adoptions (e.g., March 3, 2025; April 8, 2025).
- Reported enrolled: April 8, 2025.
- Referred to Congratulatory Consent Calendar: May 21, 2025.
- Resolution adopted (final): May 22, 2025.
- Secretary instructed to provide a copy to the IFA.
Sponsors
- Primary sponsors listed: RaShaun Kemp; Kenya Wicks; Sonya Halpern; Donzella James; Emanuel Jones; Nan Orrock; Jason Esteves; Josh McLaurin (and others).
Legal/Practical Effect
- Ceremonial and declarative only: SR 312 does not create law, allocate funds, or change regulatory requirements. Its effect is to publicly acknowledge and commend the IFA and the role of franchising in Georgia’s economy.
Recommendation / note for readers
- If you need to cite the official resolution text or confirm which of the two included drafts is controlling, consult the Secretary of the Senate or the enrolled resolution on the Senate’s website, due to the apparent inclusion of a separate Illinois Navy congratulatory draft in the file.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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