§ 63-17-119. Suit to recover damages; venue; requirement that dealer waive right to trial void.

1. Notwithstanding any provision of a franchise agreement to the contrary, if any motor vehicle dealer or dealer-operator incurs pecuniary loss due to a violation of the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission Law by a manufacturer or distributor, the motor vehicle dealer or dealer-operator may bring suit in a court of competent jurisdiction and recover damages, together with costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
2. Venue for any proceeding arising from the franchise agreement shall be in Mississippi and shall be consistent with Mississippi law. It is the public policy of this state that venue provided for in this section may not be modified by contract. Any provision contained in the franchise agreement that requires arbitration or litigation to be conducted outside the State of Mississippi shall be void and unenforceable.
3. Notwithstanding any provision in a franchise agreement to the contrary, any requirement that a dealer waive its right to a trial by jury is void and unenforceable.

SOURCES: Laws, 2000, ch. 418, § 7; Laws, 2006, ch. 432, § 6, eff from and after July 1, 2006.