Bill > HB627

This bill expands protections against non-compete agreements, which are contracts that prevent an employee from working for a competitor after leaving a job, to include "health care professionals" earning less than $500,000 annually, in addition to existing protections for "low-wage employees" (those earning below the state's average weekly wage or entitled to overtime pay). The bill defines "health care professional" broadly to encompass a wide range of licensed medical practitioners, including physicians, nurses, and therapists. Employers who violate these prohibitions by enforcing or threatening to enforce non-compete agreements against these individuals will face a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation, consistent with current law. The bill also clarifies that certain provisions related to nondisclosure agreements and the sale of a business are not affected, and it allows for repayment of recruitment and training costs for health care professionals employed for less than five years, as well as restrictions on soliciting former clients under specific conditions.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB627