New Washington law bans noncompete agreements

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed legislation banning noncompete agreements statewide, effective June 30, 2027. The law makes all restrictive covenants unenforceable for Washington-based workers and businesses, and requires employers to notify current and former workers in writing about voided agreements by October 1, 2027. The measure builds on a 2019 state law that limited noncompetes to high earners. Washington joins California, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Oklahoma in fully banning such agreements. Nonsolicitation agreements remain legal but must be narrowly construed.