Protection Against Unfair Non-Compete Clauses Act
Summary: The Protection Against Unfair Non-Compete Clauses Act makes it illegal to insert a non-compete clause into the employment contract of a lower-wage worker.
Based on Illinois SB 3163
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act shall be called the “Protection Against Unfair Non-Compete Clauses Act.”
SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE
(A) FINDINGS—The legislature finds that:
- It is not unusual for employers to require a non-compete clause in employment contracts when the employee is highly-paid and develops highly-specialized, marketable knowledge through his or her employment.
- In recent years, some employers in service industries have begun to impose non-compete clauses on low-wage, low-skill employees, such as fast food workers.
- There is no reasonable need for non-compete clauses where workers do not acquire highly-specialized knowledge and are relatively easy to replace.
- Non-compete clauses makes it easier for employers to exploit low-wage workers, and therefore, such contract provisions are contrary to the public good.
(B) PURPOSE—This law is enacted to protect the welfare of employees in this state.
SECTION 3. NON-COMPETE CLAUSES
After section XXX, the following new section XXX shall be inserted:
(A) DEFINITIONS—In this section:
- “Lower-wage employee” means an employee who is paid by an employer $15 or less per hour.
- “Non-compete clause” means a provision in an employment contract or similar agreement that restricts the ability of an employee to (a) work for another employer for a specified period of time; (b) work for another employer within a specified geographical area; or (c) engage in work for another employer that is similar to the employee’s work for the employer.
(B) NON-COMPETE CLAUSE VOID FOR LOWER-WAGE EMPLOYEES
- No employer shall enter into a contract or agreement with a lower-wage employee that includes a non-compete clause.
- A non-compete clause in a contract or agreement with a lower-wage employee is illegal and void.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This law shall become effective on July 1, 20XX.