Bill > S09759

This bill prohibits employers from using non-compete agreements, which are contracts that prevent an employee from working for a competitor after leaving their current job, with some exceptions. It defines a "covered individual" as most workers who are economically dependent on their employer, excluding "highly compensated individuals" who earn over $500,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) and certain "health-related professionals" like doctors and nurses. The bill allows covered individuals to sue employers who violate this prohibition, seeking damages, attorneys' fees, and other relief, and mandates that employers post notices informing employees of their rights under this new law. It also clarifies that this law does not prevent agreements that establish fixed terms of employment, protect trade secrets or confidential client information, or prohibit client solicitation, as long as they don't otherwise restrict competition, and it includes specific provisions for non-compete agreements related to the sale of a business or ownership interests.