Washington’s New Noncompete Law: Following California’s Lead in a National Shift

In March 2026, Washington enacted one of the most sweeping noncompete bans in the country, signaling a continued shift in how states regulate employee mobility. The new law, set to take effect June 30, 2027, declares virtually all noncompete agreements void and unenforceable for both employees and independent contractors.

This marks a dramatic departure from Washington’s prior framework, which allowed noncompetes for higher-income workers above certain salary thresholds. Lawmakers concluded those earlier limits “did not go far enough,” citing concerns about suppressed wages, reduced job mobility, and stifled innovation. Learn more on our Labor & Employment blog.