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SD 895

An Act relative to banning noncompetition agreements in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Jehlen

Mass. bill would ban noncompetition agreements, voiding them from Jan 1, 2026; affects employers and workers bound by Section 24L of Chapter 149.

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Bill Summary · SD 895

Summary: An Act relative to banning noncompetition agreements in the Commonwealth (Senate Docket No. 895)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to ban noncompetition agreements (noncompetes) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Sponsor: Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (Second Middlesex). The measure is introduced as a petition filed under the Senate, with the title “An Act relative to banning noncompetition agreements in the Commonwealth.”
  • The bill continues a prior legislative effort (similar matter previously filed as Senate No. 1192 in the 2023-2024 session).

Key provision(s) and change in law

  • The core change is codified by amending Section 24L of Chapter 149 of the General Laws (as it appears in the 2022 Official Edition).
  • The amendment states that, effective January 1, 2026, noncompetition agreements, as defined in Section 24L, shall be void and unenforceable.
  • In other words, starting on January 1, 2026, any noncompetition agreement governed by the defined section would have no legal effect and could not be enforced in Massachusetts courts or other venues.

Who is affected

  • Employers who require or utilize noncompetition agreements with employees or contractors.
  • Employees, workers, or contractors who might otherwise be bound by noncompete restrictions.
  • The change would apply to agreements defined under Section 24L of Chapter 149, with enforcement ceased beginning January 1, 2026.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • Introduction and sponsorship: Introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court (reported as Senate Docket No. 895; presented by Senator Jehlen).
  • Filing history: The bill appears in the Senate docket as of January 15, 2025 (Senate No. 1336) and is described as a proposed act to ban noncompetition agreements.
  • Effective date for the ban: January 1, 2026.
  • Status: The provided materials label the bill as a proposed bill; status beyond introduction (e.g., passage or committee action) is not listed in the excerpt.

Additional context and notes

  • The bill references a broader statutory framework governing noncompetition agreements (Section 24L of Chapter 149), suggesting that the definition of “noncompetition agreements” is drawn from that section.
  • This proposal aligns with ongoing policy discussions in many jurisdictions about worker mobility and labor market competitiveness by removing or restricting noncompete restrictions.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to recent noncompete reforms in other states or provide a placeholder for potential amendments or exemptions that typically arise in related bills.

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

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