Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1170

Introduced
3/19/26  
Refer
3/19/26  

Caption

An Act to renumber and amend 103.465; to amend 103.465 (title); to create 103.465 (2) and (3) of the statutes; Relating to: prohibitions on postemployment nonsolicitation clauses in employment contracts.

Impact

The introduction of SB1170 could have significant implications for employment law in the state. If enacted, the bill would modify existing contract laws related to employment and potentially influence how employers draft their employment agreements. This change may result in an increase in labor market fluidity, allowing employees to transition between jobs more freely, thereby fostering a more dynamic workforce. Furthermore, this could enhance job opportunities across various sectors as employees would no longer feel bound by restrictive clauses.

Summary

SB1170 addresses the regulation of post-employment nonsolicitation clauses within employment contracts. This bill aims to prohibit such clauses, which often restrict employees from soliciting clients or engaging in competitive activities after leaving a company. Proponents of the bill argue that these provisions unfairly limit workers' ability to find new job opportunities and pursue their careers without undue constraints. By eliminating nonsolicitation clauses, the bill seeks to promote worker mobility and a more competitive job market.

Contention

Despite the bill's intent to protect worker rights, it has sparked debate among different stakeholders. Employers express concerns that the removal of nonsolicitation clauses could lead to unfair competition, as former employees might leverage insider knowledge to solicit clients shortly after departing from a company. Critics from the business community argue that such regulations could undermine legitimate business interests and lead to increased litigation over what constitutes a reasonable competing activity. In contrast, labor advocates argue that these clauses are often used to exert undue control over employees long after they have left the organization, thus advocating for stronger protections against such practices.

Companion Bills

WI AB1180

Crossfiled An Act to renumber and amend 103.465; to amend 103.465 (title); to create 103.465 (2) and (3) of the statutes; Relating to: prohibitions on postemployment nonsolicitation clauses in employment contracts.

Previously Filed As

WI AB1180

Prohibitions on postemployment nonsolicitation clauses in employment contracts.

WI AB1229

Prohibitions on nondisparagement clauses in employment contracts.

WI SB1175

Prohibitions on nondisparagement clauses in employment contracts.

WI HB1348

Creates provisions relating to the registration of solar contractors and roofing contractors

WI AB100

An act to amend the Budget Act of 2023 (Chapters 12, 38, and 189 of the Statutes of 2023) by amending Items 5227-122-0001 and 7502-495 of Section 2.

WI HB119

An Act To Amend Titles 9, 14, And 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Libraries.

WI HB1155

AN ACT Relating to encouraging competition and economic growth by prohibiting noncompetition agreements and clarifying nonsolicitation agreements;

WI HB298

An Act To Amend Title 12 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Creation, Regulation, Operation, And Dissolution Of Statutory Trusts.

WI HB50

An Act To Amend Titles 7 And 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Energy Assistance.

WI HB70

An Act To Amend Titles 16 And 25 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Lead-based Paint.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.