Bill to limit noncompetes considered in Harrisburg.

• Position: In the News...

A bill before the Pennsylvania General Assembly would outlaw most noncompete agreements and give employees a private cause of action against employers should the employer attempt to enforce a noncompete agreement.

Backers of House Bill 1938 claim it will lower unemployment and promote unrestricted mobility for employees. They say the bill, dubbed the Freedom to Work Act, will be good for business, too, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and business expansion.

HB 1938 would only allow restrictive covenants that limit competition from the seller of a business or former business...