Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Labor & Workplace Standards Committee

HB 1967

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning noncompetition agreements.

Sponsors: Representatives Stanford, Ormsby and Pollet.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Makes void noncompetition agreements with temporary or seasonal employees, with independent contractors, or for employees terminated without just cause or laid off.

  • Creates a rebuttable presumption that a noncompetition agreement for more than one year or for employees who are not executives is unreasonable and void.

  • Provides that if a court reforms an unreasonable noncompetition agreement, the party seeking to declare the agreement void is deemed the prevailing party under the contract and in law.

Hearing Date: 2/14/17

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

Washington disfavors restraints on trade. However, restraints are permitted in some circumstances. A noncompetition agreement, one type of restraint, is an agreement between parties where one party promises not to compete with the other party for a specific period of time, and sometimes within a specified geographic area. Statutory law addresses noncompetition agreements only in the broadcasting industry.

Under the common law, Washington courts will enforce a noncompetition agreement if the agreement is reasonable. Whether an agreement is reasonable involves consideration of three factors:

1. whether the restraint is necessary for the protection of the business or goodwill of

the employer;

2. whether the restraint imposes on the employee any greater restraint than is

reasonably necessary to secure the employer's business or goodwill; and

3. whether the degree of injury to the public is such loss of the service and skill of the

employee as to warrant non-enforcement of the agreement.

In general, if a noncompetition agreement is agreed to after an employee is hired, the agreement is enforceable only if the employer gives the employee independent consideration, such as a raise or a promotion.

In evaluating the reasonableness of an agreement, the courts examine the time and geographic scope of the restraint. If a court finds that an agreement is unreasonable, the court may reform the terms of the agreement.

Summary of Bill:

An unreasonable noncompetion agreement is void and unenforceable. A court may reform an agreement to make it reasonable; however, the party seeking to declare the agreement void is deemed the prevailing party for purposes of the contract and under law. For an agreement to be enforceable, the employer must disclose the terms in writing to a prospective employee no later than the offer of employment or must provide independent consideration.

Noncompetition agreements between employers and employees are unreasonable and void and unenforceable if the employee is:

An employer who requires an employee to enter into a noncompetition agreement with provisions the employer knows or reasonably should know are unenforceable is liable for actual damages, $5,000 statutory damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Noncompetition agreements with independent contractors are also void and unenforceable. For other specified types of agreements, a rebuttable presumption is established that the agreement is unreasonable. These are agreements:

The provisions do not restrict the right of an employer or entity engaging an independent contractor to enter a confidentiality or non-solicitation agreement, or other terms and conditions of employment. Further, the reformation or unenforceability of a noncompetition agreement does not affect the enforceability of a confidentiality, nonsolicitation, or other agreement, or other terms and conditions, regardless of whether the other agreement or terms and conditions are in the same document as the noncompetition agreement.

A "noncompetition agreement" is an agreement between an employer and an employee, or between a hiring entity and an independent contractor, that is specifically designed to impede the ability of the employee or independent contractor, respectively, to compete with the employer or hiring entity upon termination of the relationship.

An "executive employee" is an employee:

Definitions are also provided for "employee," "employer," "confidentiality agreement," and "non-solicitation agreement."

The provisions apply to agreements entered into on or after the effective date.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.