Prohibition on non-compete provisions for covered employees.
D.C. Code § 32-581.02
in effect32-581.02. Prohibition on non-compete provisions for covered employees.
(a)
(1)
Beginning October 1, 2022, no employer may require or request that a covered employee sign an agreement or comply with a workplace policy that includes a non-compete provision.
(2)
A non-compete provision that violates paragraph (1) of this subsection contained in an agreement between a covered employee and an employer that was entered into on or after October 1, 2022, shall be void as a matter of law and unenforceable.
(b)
No employer may retaliate or threaten to retaliate against a covered employee for:
(1)
The covered employee's refusal to agree to a non-compete provision or non-compete agreement that is prohibited under subsection (a) of this section;
(2)
The covered employee's alleged failure to comply with a non-compete provision or non-compete agreement that is prohibited under subsection (a) of this section;
(3)
Asking, informing, or complaining about the existence, applicability, or validity of a provision in a workplace policy or employment agreement that the employee reasonably believes is prohibited under subsection (a) of this section or making a request for a copy of such a provision to:
(A)
An employer, including the covered employee's employer;
(B)
A coworker;
(C)
The covered employee's lawyer or agent; or
(D)
A governmental entity; or
(4)
Asking the employer for the information required to be provided to the employee pursuant to § 32-581.03a.
(Mar. 16, 2021, D.C. Law 23-209, § 102, 68 DCR 000782; Sept. 21, 2022, D.C. Law 24-175, § 2(a), 69 DCR 009910.)
Source: Council of the District of Columbia (code.dccouncil.gov)URL: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-581.02Fetched: 10/21/2026