Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1628

Introduced
3/14/23  
Refer
3/14/23  

Caption

To Prohibit Covenant Not To Compete Agreements; And To Amend The Law Concerning A Covenant Not To Compete Agreement.

Impact

By banning these agreements, HB1628 is expected to empower employees and enhance their mobility within the job market, enabling them to engage freely in similar business ventures without fear of legal repercussions from former employers. This change is anticipated to promote competition and innovation within various industries as employees can pursue roles with other companies in the same field without being legally restrained. Additionally, this could lead to a broader economy where workers feel secure in transitioning between jobs, potentially benefiting the state’s overall employment rate.

Summary

House Bill 1628 prohibits covenant not to compete agreements, marking a significant change in the legal landscape for employment contracts in Arkansas. The bill aims to limit employers' ability to restrict employees' future employment opportunities following the termination of their employment. Specifically, the bill asserts that such covenants are unenforceable in the state, which will drastically alter the dynamics between employers and employees regarding post-employment restrictions.

Contention

The bill may face objections from business owners and employers who argue that such covenants are essential for protecting trade secrets and proprietary business information. Critics of the bill may contend that without the ability to enforce noncompete clauses, employers will struggle to safeguard their competitive advantages. The debate around this bill will likely revolve around balancing the need for worker freedom with the protection of legitimate business interests, a contention that could influence future legislative discussions and business practices in the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR10

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

HI SB2861

Relating To Exclusive Listing Agreements.

IA SSB1156

A bill for an act relating to unfair residential real estate service agreements, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 417.)

IA SF417

A bill for an act relating to unfair residential real estate service agreements, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 1156.)

IA HF475

A bill for an act relating to unfair residential real estate service agreements, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 175.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

CA AB518

Surplus state real property: Southern Youth Correctional Reception Center and Clinic.

CA AB1977

State real property: surplus.

NJ A1869

Concerns labor harmony agreements for hospitality projects.

CA AB2845

Parent and child relationship.