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MarylandHB 10162026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Noncompete and Conflict of Interest Clauses - Licensed Architects - Employer Workforce Relocation and Out-of-State Employers

Sponsored By: Andrew C. Pruski (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Private Sector Labor and IndustryAddressesArchitects and ArchitectureCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Contracts -see also- ProcurementEthicsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyReportsResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Architects protected when employer moves out

If you are a licensed architect and, on your first day, your employer had more than 30 employees with most in Maryland, you keep the law’s noncompete protections even if the employer later leaves Maryland. This applies to contracts signed on or after October 1, 2026.

Noncompetes banned for many Maryland workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland voids noncompete and conflict‑of‑interest clauses that stop you from taking a new job or starting your own business if you: earn no more than 150% of the State minimum wage; are a licensed health worker who gives direct patient care and earns $350,000 a year or less; are a licensed veterinary practitioner or technician; or are a licensed architect working for an employer that meets the law’s size and Maryland‑location tests. These rules apply even if the contract was signed outside Maryland.

Tighter noncompetes for high paid health workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you are a licensed health worker who gives direct patient care and earns over $350,000 a year, any enforceable noncompete is capped at one year from your last day and at 10 miles from your main workplace. When a patient asks, your former employer must tell the patient where you will practice next.

Client and patient lists still protected

Beginning October 1, 2026, employers may still bar you from taking or using client or patient lists and other proprietary client‑ or patient‑related information when you leave.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Andrew C. Pruski

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Ruth

    Democratic • House

  • Vaughn Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Jen Terrasa

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 235 • No: 65

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 29 • Other: 11

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 94 • No: 36 • Other: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 301

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (101-29)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {333321/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (94-36)

    3/21/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {123928/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/20/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026House

  15. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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