What is the purpose of the Rhode Island addendum to the Epcon Communities Franchise Agreement?

• 1. The first chart of Item 17 (Franchise Agreement) of the disclosure document is hereby modified by adding the following to the end of the "Summary" column for item "m.":
  • "Except for a release given in connection with the settlement of disputes, claims or civil lawsuits arising or brought under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act (the "Act"), the release described above may not relieve any person from liability imposed by the Act or any rule or order under the Act."
• 1. The first chart of Item 17 (Franchise Agreement) of the disclosure document is hereby modified by adding the following to the end of the "Summary" column for items "v." and "w.":
  • "Provided, however, that Section 19-28.1-14 of the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act provides that a provision in a franchise agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside of the State of Rhode Island or requiring the application of the laws of another state is void with respect to a claim otherwise enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act."
• 1. No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 86–280)