On March 29, 2012, the State of Washington amended its Franchise Investment Protection Act to align it with the FTC Franchise Rule. These amendments became effective June 7, 2012, and made the following changes to the act:
- Changed the term “offering circular” to “disclosure document” throughout the statute;
- Brought the definition of “prospective franchisee” in line with the FTC Franchise Rule definition;
- Changed the time period for which a prospective franchisee must have a disclosure document from 10 business days to 14 calendar days; and
- Added a provision stating that a prospective franchisee must have all franchisor-initiated changes to the franchise agreement at least seven calendar days before signing.
Washington S.B. 6172, amending Revised Code of Washington, Title 19, Chapter 19.100 et seq.