This Act may be cited as the Franchisee Freedom Act.

(a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person found to have committed any violation of part 436 of title 16, Code of Federal Regulations, or section 3 of this Act, shall be liable to any person harmed by such violation for— (1) actual damages; (2) additional equitable relief, including rescission of any contract and such other equitable relief as a court may find appropriate; and (3) reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. (b) Jurisdiction and venue Jurisdiction and venue of a civil action under this section shall be concurrent and may be commenced in— (1) the United States District Court in the district in which the claimant resides; or (2) in a State court of competent jurisdiction in the State in which the claimant resides.

A franchisor may not, directly or indirectly, restrict a franchisee from associating with other franchisees or from participating in a trade association, including by retaliating against a franchisee for associating with other franchisees or participating in a trade association.