On the final day of its 2025 general session, the Utah Legislature overwhelmingly passed a measure protecting franchise owners from having to operate their stores on days when doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs and practices.

Sponsored by Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, HB441 does not alter existing contracts between franchisees and their brands — from restaurant to car wash chains.

Instead, the bill, if signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox, bars brands from imposing a religious day operation requirement as a part of any new contracts between the two parties. It also prohibits brands from pressuring franchisees to accept a religious day operation requirement as part of a contract amendment or renewal.

The measure could lead to more stores closing on religious holidays, Sundays or other days of worship.

Companies found in violation can, under the proposed law that would take effect May 7, be fined between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on the total number of and timing of those violations.