06/15/2026
Washington State is officially taking matters into its own hands. Starting June 30, 2027, HB 1155 will completely ban noncompete agreements across the state, regardless of your salary or position. But here’s the catch: Just because noncompetes are going away doesn't mean all restrictions are gone.
Expect the next big legal battleground to center on nonsolicitation agreements, as many have historically been written so broadly that they secretly function just like a noncompete. Under the new law, this distinction becomes critical: provisions that try to ban you from "doing business with" or "accepting work" from clients are likely invalid and unenforceable. On the other hand, true nonsolicitation agreements—those that strictly prohibit you from actively soliciting existing clients or encouraging coworkers to leave—remain completely legal.
The line between a legal nonsolicitation clause and an illegal noncompete can be surprisingly thin. Employers need to audit their contracts now, and employees need to know their rights (especially since the law includes penalties for employers who even threaten to enforce invalid bans).
Our employment law attorney, Trevor J. Cartales, recently published a detailed analysis of HB 1155, including key red flags to watch for and practical tips employers and employees can follow to prepare. Click the link to learn more today!
Washington's HB 1155 eliminates noncompetes starting mid-2027. Learn how the new rules narrow nonsolicitation clauses and create legal traps for employers.
