In Minnesota, can City Wide require a franchisee to assent to a general release?

According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota Rules prohibit City Wide from requiring a franchisee to assent to a general release. This means that City Wide cannot force a franchisee in Minnesota to sign a document that broadly waives their rights to make future claims against the company. This protection is specific to Minnesota and aims to safeguard franchisees from potentially unfair contract terms.

This rule ensures that Minnesota franchisees retain their legal rights and ability to pursue claims against City Wide if necessary. It prevents City Wide from using its position to demand a blanket waiver of liability, which could leave franchisees vulnerable. This is a significant benefit for prospective franchisees in Minnesota, as it provides an additional layer of legal protection.

Prospective franchisees should be aware of this protection and understand that they cannot be compelled to sign a general release as part of their franchise agreement in Minnesota. This does not prevent them from voluntarily agreeing to a release in specific circumstances, but City Wide cannot make it a mandatory condition of the franchise agreement.