March 2026

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Thom Milkovic, Unsplash

Washington yesterday adopted a major shift in its approach to employee restrictive covenants. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 (ESHB 1155), approved by the Legislature in March 2026 and signed by the Governor yesterday, eliminates the use of noncompetition agreements in employment and independent contractor relationships beginning June 30, 2027 in specified situations including notices to existing agreement holders by October…

Continue Reading Governor Signs Washington’s New Noncompete Law: What Employers Should Know—and How to Prepare
Washington State Capitol / Washington
Nils Huenerfuerst, Unsplash

Washington State has long taken a skeptical view of noncompetition agreements—and that skepticism is now on the brink of becoming a complete ban. Both chambers of the Legislature have approved Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1155, and the bill now awaits Governor Bob Ferguson’s signature, which is widely expected.

If signed, the law will dramatically reshape Washington’s restrictive covenant landscape. It…

Continue Reading Washington State Poised to Ban Noncompetition Agreements: What Employers Need to Know
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Kellie Shannon, Unsplash

Virginia’s Senate Bill 170 (2026 Session) introduces new limitations on the enforceability of restrictive covenants by protecting employees who are terminated without cause. More specifically, the proposed amendment will render any non-compete unenforceable against an employee who was discharged from employment unless severance benefits or other monetary payments are made to the employee. The law is silent as to what…

Continue Reading Virginia Moves to Protect Laid Off Workers