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Committee backs bill to bar noncompete clauses for broadcasters after industry debate
Summary
The House Labor & Industry Committee favorably reported HB 2558, a measure to prohibit noncompete clauses for broadcasters and media workers, after wide-ranging debate about effects on small-market stations and sales staff; the committee agreed to report the bill as committed.
Representative Waxman introduced House Bill 2558, which would prohibit noncompete clauses in employment contracts for broadcasters and media workers in the commonwealth.
"People are often confused when their favorite TV personality suddenly relocates… it’s because this industry has extremely aggressive, noncompete agreements," Representative Waxman said, urging the committee to report the bill.
Chairman James described the bill’s scope and said it would apply broadly, including during the term of a contract and after termination for cause. "I will be voting no today," he said, and asked to hear from colleagues with broadcast experience.
Representative Barter, who said he has managed small radio clusters, urged the committee to hold a hearing with local broadcasters before advancing the bill. He argued a blanket ban could make it harder for small operators to hire and retain on‑air and sales talent and could accelerate consolidation by encouraging larger companies to capture local staff. "Small operators can't afford to [compete]," he said, warning that the loss of local talent and sales relationships could put rural stations out of business.
Other members raised legal and contractual concerns about overriding negotiated employment contracts. Representative Brosseley noted parallels with prior noncompete legislation and said courts and contracts often govern those agreements.
After discussion the committee took a roll call and the clerk announced the bill "is favorably reported as committed." No formal amendments were adopted during the Committee’s consideration.
The committee’s action sends HB 2558 to the next stage of the legislative process for further consideration.
