SB128

Covenants not to compete; includes health care professionals, civil penalty.

Complete·5/14/26

Virginia SB128 prohibits covenants not to compete for low-wage employees and health care professionals, allowing civil actions for enforcement.

Virginia SB128 amends the state's labor laws to prohibit employers from enforcing covenants not to compete against low-wage employees and health care professionals. These employees can bring civil actions to void such covenants within specified timeframes. Employers must post notices of this law, with penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties for violations are set at $250 for the second offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The law defines "low-wage employee" and "health care professional" and outlines procedures for penalty assessments.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

39 Yea

DDDRRRDDRDRDRRDDDDDDDRDRRDRDRDDDDRRRRRR

0 Nay

1 Absent

R

Calendar

Feb 26

12:00 AM

House Labor and Commerce Hearing

Feb 11

9:30 AM

Senate Finance and Appropriations Hearing

History

May 14

Approved by Governor-Chapter 1114 (effective 7/1/2026)

May 14

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1114)

Apr 22

Senate

Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation No. 1 (39-Y 0-N 0-A)