Bill · H.R. 10215· House(119-HR-10215)
Workforce Mobility Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/1/2026
- Last activity
- 9/1/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Scott Peters
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Workforce Mobility Act of 2026 aims to prohibit the use and enforcement of most noncompete agreements. The bill finds that these agreements restrict worker mobility, reduce wages, and slow innovation. While the general rule bans these agreements, exceptions are made for the sale of a business and partnership dissolutions. It also allows for specific noncompete agreements for senior executive officials under certain conditions. Employers may still use trade secret and nondisclosure protections to protect their interests. Enforcement is handled by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Labor.
Yes· 3 of 8
Is this likely to grow the economy?+5
The bill seeks to boost productivity and innovation by removing barriers to worker mobility.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
Removing noncompetes can facilitate wage growth and easier job transitions for low-income workers.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+4
The bill aims to increase wages and mobility for the broader workforce.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The bill restricts how business owners can protect themselves during sales or dissolutions.
Would high-income households be better off under this?-2
Senior executives may face more restrictions on their severance and noncompete negotiations.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The ban may limit some methods for business owners to protect their interests during sales or partnerships.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Wage Growth and Mobility: The bill seeks to foster stronger wage growth and prevent workers from being forced to idle or leave their industries (Section 2).
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Protection of Employment Options: By prohibiting noncompete agreements, the bill aims to prevent the broad restriction of employment options for workers (Section 2).
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Preservation of Trade Secrets: The act does not stop employers from using agreements to protect trade secrets, allowing individuals to be bound by non-disclosure requirements regarding such information (Section 4).
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Legal Recourse for Workers: Individuals who are victims of prohibited agreements can bring civil actions in court to recover actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees (Section 6(e)).
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Access to Enforcement: Workers have access to enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Labor, and State attorneys general (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Business Sales: A seller of a business entity may be restricted from carrying on a similar business within a specific geographic area after a sale (Section 3(b)(1)(A)).
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Limitations on Senior Executives: Senior executive officials may be subject to noncompete agreements for up to one year as part of a sale and severance agreement (Section 3(b)(1)(B)).
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Restrictions on Partners: Partners in a partnership may be restricted from carrying on a similar business within a specified geographic area upon the dissolution of the partnership (Section 3(b)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Union Workers+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Business Owners-3Good For High Income Households-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4
- 9/1/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey