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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

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Limits on noncompetes for high earning clinicians

Beginning October 1, 2026, noncompetes for licensed clinicians who give direct patient care and earn over $350,000 are capped. They cannot last more than 1 year from your last day of work. They cannot block you from working more than 10 miles from your main job site. If a patient asks, your employer must tell the patient where you now practice.

Noncompetes banned for many Maryland workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland voids most noncompete and conflict-of-interest clauses for many workers. The clause is void if you earn at or below 150% of the State minimum wage. It is also void if you are a licensed health worker who gives direct patient care and earn $350,000 or less. It is void for licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. For licensed architects, it is void if your employer had more than 30 employees and a Maryland majority on your first day, and by the enforcement date no longer has a Maryland majority or its main office is not in Maryland. This applies even if the contract was signed outside Maryland. The "enforcement date" is the first day the employer sues, starts arbitration, or demands in writing that you comply. These bans do not stop agreements that protect client or patient lists or other proprietary client or patient information.

Architect noncompete protections apply to new contracts

Beginning October 1, 2026, the new rule that voids certain noncompetes for licensed architects applies only to contracts signed on or after that date. Contracts signed before October 1, 2026 stay under prior law and can still be enforced.

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: 5

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 94 • No: 36 • Other: 5

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

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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