Hunton Employment & Labor Perspectives

On March 23, 2026, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a bill (Substitute House Bill “SHB” 1155) that will render employment-based non-compete agreements with employees and independent contractors void and unenforceable beginning June 30, 2027. With this legislation, Washington joins states like California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma in generally prohibiting employment-based non-compete agreements.

On March 4, 2026, Virginia Senate Bill 170 (SB170) passed the House of Delegates after unanimous approval by the Senate.  SB170 now awaits signature by Governor Abigail Spanberger, who has until April 13, 2026 to act.  If signed, the law will go into effect on July 1, 2026, and forms part of Virginia’s broader effort to limit the application and enforceability of non-compete agreements.