House narrowly approves ban on noncompete contracts for broadcast workers

The Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 25 58 on July 1, voting 103 to 99 to prohibit noncompete agreements for broadcast and media workers.

Representative Waxman, the bill’s sponsor, told the chamber the legislation would bar noncompete clauses for broadcast employees and media workers, protecting workers’ mobility. "This bill prohibits noncompete agreements for broadcast and media workers in Pennsylvania," Waxman said and reserved further comments for the record.

Opponents warned of unintended consequences for local broadcasters. Representative Barger argued the bill would remove an employer’s ability to secure exclusive talent and could harm small stations in rural markets: "If we diminish their exclusivity, we will diminish their value," he said, adding that broadcasters rely on exclusivity to defend investments in local programming.

Other critics raised constitutional and process concerns. Representative Bernstein said the measure as drafted might conflict with Article I, Section 17 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which he said prohibits laws impairing contractual obligations. Several members, including Representative Struzzi, objected to the bill’s expedited handling and said industry stakeholders had requested a hearing that was denied.

Supporters countered that the bill protects workers and that existing law already restricts overly broad noncompete agreements. After floor debate that included competing policy and economic claims, the House recorded final passage: yeas 103, nays 99.

Next steps: HB 25 58 will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration. Floor remarks indicate disagreement over economic impacts and constitutionality; any legal questions would be resolved post‑enactment or through judicial challenge.