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Bill

HB 2558

An Act prohibiting enforcement of covenants not to compete in broadcast employment agreements.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bizzarro and 16 co-sponsors

The bill bars enforcement of covenants not to compete in any Pennsylvania broadcast employment agreement, making such CNAs unenforceable for broadcast workers.

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Bill Summary · HB 2558

Bill Overview

  • Title: An Act prohibiting enforcement of covenants not to compete in broadcast employment agreements
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Primary aim: Prohibit the enforcement of covenants not to compete (CNAs) specifically within broadcast employment agreements.

What the bill would do

  • Prohibition on CNAs in broadcast employment: The bill would bar employers from enforcing covenants not to compete that are part of employment agreements with employees in the broadcasting industry.
  • Scope within broadcast sector: Applies to employment agreements entered into by individuals employed in broadcasting (e.g., radio, television, streaming, and related media outlets) within Pennsylvania.
  • Enforceability: CNAs in the context of broadcast employment would be deemed unenforceable or void insofar as they constrain post-employment activities of broadcast employees.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition language: The bill would likely specify that any clause or contract term requiring an employee to refrain from working for a competitor or to restrict permissible employment activities after leaving a broadcast employer is not enforceable.
  • remedies and enforcement: The bill may outline enforcement mechanisms, potential penalties, or remedies for violations (e.g., injunctive relief, attorney’s fees, civil penalties). The exact language would determine how disputes are resolved and how enforcement would occur.
  • Definitions: The bill would define “covenant not to compete,” “broadcast employment,” and related terms to avoid ambiguity and ensure applicability to the intended industry.
  • Effective date and transition: The bill would specify when the prohibitions take effect (e.g., upon enactment, or a future date) and whether it applies to agreements entered into before enactment or only to new agreements.

Who would be affected

  • Employees in the Pennsylvania broadcasting industry who sign or are subject to CNAs as part of their employment agreements.
  • Employers in broadcasting (radio, television, online media, and related platforms) that currently use CNAs with broadcast personnel.
  • Legal professionals and human resources personnel handling employment agreements in the broadcast sector.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Labor market impact: The prohibition could affect job mobility and negotiations for broadcast employees, potentially making it easier for workers to switch employers.
  • Competitive dynamics: Employers may need to rely on alternative protections (e.g., non-solicitation provisions, confidential information protections) rather than CNAs.
  • Compliance and enforcement: Employers will need to review existing contracts and revise future agreements to ensure compliance; enforcement details will guide penalties and remedies.
  • Industry-specific nuance: Given the focus on broadcasting, the bill targets a sector where talent mobility and audience relationships are particularly valuable, which may influence how parties structure post-employment restrictions.

Procedural and timeline aspects (as typically included)

  • Sponsor information: The bill lists multiple co-sponsors, indicating broad legislative interest across parties.
  • Next steps: After introduction, the bill would proceed through committee review, potential amendments, and successive floor votes in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, followed by the governor’s signature or veto.
  • Effective date: Any enacted date would be specified in the final language, along with any phase-in period for contracts entered before enactment.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical structural elements based on the title and sponsor list. For precise language, definitions, exceptions, enforcement mechanisms, and effective dates, consult the bill’s official text and amendments as it progresses through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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