Workforce Mobility Act of 2025

This bill would ban most noncompete agreements for workers. Employers could no longer make you sign a contract that blocks you from taking a new job in the same field after you leave. Current or future noncompetes would have no effect, except in narrow cases tied to selling a business or when certain top executives are part of a sale—with limits like no more than one year and only in places the business already operated . You can still be asked to protect true trade secrets through confidentiality agreements, which are allowed . The bill says noncompetes hurt wages, job mobility, and innovation, and that other tools can protect businesses without limiting workers’ options .

Employers would have to post a notice telling workers about these rights . The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Labor could investigate and enforce the rules, and people could sue in court to recover damages and attorney’s fees. State attorneys general could also bring cases. Companies could not force workers into arbitration or block class actions for disputes under this bill. Agencies must set up complaint systems and issue regulations within set timelines to carry out the law .

Key points

• Who is affected: Most workers and contractors; exceptions for sellers of a business and some senior executives tied to a sale .
• What changes: Noncompetes are generally banned; trade secret nondisclosure agreements remain allowed; required workplace notice; no forced arbitration or class-action waivers for these claims .
• Enforcement and remedies: FTC and Labor Department enforce; workers and state attorneys general can sue; courts can award damages and fees; confidentiality for complainants .