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Bill

Bill

H 2118

An Act relative to noncompetition agreements in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Gordon

Massachusetts bill restricting noncompetition agreements to enhance worker mobility and labor market competition while limiting employer restrictions on employee movement.

Hearing scheduled for 11/17/2025 from 11:00 AM-12:20 PM in B-1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2118

Legislative bill overview

H 2118 restricts the use of noncompetition agreements in Massachusetts, likely by limiting their enforceability, duration, or applicability to certain workers. The bill addresses concerns that overly broad noncompete clauses unfairly restrict workers' ability to seek employment and limit labor market mobility. This represents part of a broader national trend toward regulating these employment agreements.

Why is this important

Noncompete agreements can significantly impact workers' career prospects and earning potential by preventing them from working for competitors or starting businesses in their field. The bill's outcome could affect job market dynamics, worker mobility, and business practices across Massachusetts. Both employees seeking greater freedom and employers seeking to protect proprietary information have substantial interests in how this law is written.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and enforceability: Disagreement over which workers should be covered (executives vs. lower-wage workers) and what restrictions are reasonable versus overreaching
  • Business competitiveness: Employers' concerns that weakening noncompetes will increase trade secret theft and employee poaching, versus workers' argument that restrictions are anti-competitive labor practices
  • Definition of "legitimate interests": How broadly or narrowly to define what business interests (customer relationships, trade secrets, training investments) justify restricting worker movement

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

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