Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 949: Covenants not to compete; exceptions, civil penalty.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 949 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Covenants not to compete; exceptions, civil penalty. Primary sponsor: Alfonso Lopez (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 3, 2026): Continued to next session in Labor and Commerce (Voice Vote).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Covenants not to compete; exceptions; civil penalty. Prohibits an employer from entering into, enforcing, or threatening to enforce a covenant not to compete with employees who perform key duties of the employer's enterprise or customarily and regularly solicit customers or make sales or contracts for the employer. Under the bill, certain employees are permitted to enter agreements to refrain from soliciting business from the employer for a stated period of time following termination. The penalty provisions in current law for covenants not to compete for low-wage employees shall apply to a violation of the provisions of the bill. The provisions of the bill apply to contracts entered into, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfonso Lopez | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 3 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in Labor and Commerce (Voice Vote)
- Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
- Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #2
- Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102467D