Washington Becomes Latest State to Ban Non-Compete Agreements

Short summary

Washington becomes the latest state to ban post-employment non-compete agreements, joining California, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Washington D.C. The law takes effect June 30, 2027, retroactively voiding nearly all existing agreements. Employers must provide written notice by October 1, 2027, or face statutory penalties of at least $5,000 per violation plus attorney fees.

• •Washington's ban retroactively voids nearly all existing non-competes signed whenever, regardless of employee compensation level
• •Employers must give written notice to affected workers by October 1, 2027, and face $5,000+ statutory damages per violation
• •Limited exceptions apply to business sales involving meaningful ownership and narrowly-defined educational repayment agreements

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