On May 8, 2019, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed Engrossed
Substitute House Bill 1450 (HB 1450), radically altering the law
governing noncompetition agreements and moonlighting prohibitions
in Washington State. The bill will become effective on January 1,
2020, but includes provisions for retroactivity. Employers with
Washington operations that have (or want) such agreements with
their employees, or that are considering hiring individuals who
have entered into such agreements with other employers, need to
understand the new restrictions.
New Minimum Requirements for Noncompetition Agreements in
Washington
HB 1450 imposes significant restrictions on all contracts
containing noncompetition covenants in Washington State. This
article discusses its most significant aspects for employers doing
business in Washington.
