Washington is tightening non-compete laws, again
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever left a job and hesitated before accepting a new one because of a non-compete, you’re not alone. In Washington, the law is increasingly clear: your employer’s power to restrict you is limited—and will be getting more so.
Washington State law already limits most non-competes and fundamentally changed how they work with RCW 49.62. The goal was to stop employers from broadly restricting workers after they leave. In fact, today, a non-compete is only enforceable if it meets specific requirements:
You earn above the statutory income threshold (adjusted annually and generally in the six-figure range)
You were given the agreement before accepting the job
The restriction is reasonable in scope, geography, and durationIf you are laid off, your employer pays you during the restricted period
If those conditions are not met, the agreement is likely void. Signing it does not make it enforceable.
What changes in 2027
A new law, House Bill 1155, signed March 23, 2026, will largely eliminate non-compete agreements across the state. It takes effect June 30, 2027. At that time, non-competes will be prohibited in nearly all employment situations, with narrow statutory exceptions. Those exceptions are limited to:
Business sale agreements involving at least a 1 percent ownership interest
Certain out-of-pocket educational expense repayment agreements
The law is intended to apply retroactively, meaning most existing non-competes will become void. It also limits certain broad non-solicitation clauses, particularly those that function like non-competes, and caps permissible non-solicitation agreements at 18 months.
Employers must notify workers with existing non-competes by October 1, 2027. Failure to comply can result in penalties of at least $5,000. It is also a violation for an employer to enter into a prohibited agreement.
The bottom line
Ultimately, Washington is not just tightening non-compete laws, it’s moving toward eliminating them as a standard employment tool. If a non-compete is standing between you and your next job, it is worth taking a closer look, especially with these changes on the horizon.
If your employer is trying to limit your ability to work, Stockwell Law Firm can help you understand your rights and push back. Reach out at www.stockwelllawfirm.com.
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