HB 1016 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Noncompete and Conflict of Interest Clauses - Licensed Architects - Employer Workforce Relocation and Out-of-State Employers

HB 1016 invalidates noncompete and conflict-of-interest clauses in employment contracts for certain employees if their employer relocates the majority of its employees or principal business location outside Maryland. It directly affects low-wage workers (earning ≤150% of state minimum wage), healthcare workers providing direct patient care (earning ≤$350,000 annually), and veterinary professionals. For high-earning healthcare workers ($350,000+), the bill allows limited 1-year noncompete restrictions within 10 miles of their prior workplace. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies only to contracts signed after that date.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Signed Apr 28, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Third - Labor and Employment - Noncompete and Conflict of Interest Clauses - Employer Workforce Relocation and Out-of-State Employers → Enrolled - Noncompete and Conflict of Interest Clauses - Licensed Architects - Employer Workforce Relocation and Out-of-State Employers · 5 edits · Apr 28, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was enacted and formatted as an official enrolled law. The most significant policy change is the expansion of the bill's scope to include licensed architects, whereas the previous version only covered health care workers and veterinary staff. Additionally, the bill was updated to reflect the correct 2025 replacement volume for the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Scope change

The bill's applicability was expanded to include licensed architects employed by employers that relocate their workforce or move their principal place of business outside the state, in addition to the previously covered health care and veterinary professionals.

SCOPE

Added licensed architects to the list of professionals covered by noncompete and conflict of interest restrictions.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'Licensed Architect' to reference the Business Occupations and Professions Article.

TECHNICAL

Corrected the citation to the Annotated Code of Maryland to the 2025 Replacement Volume.

Updated the bill title to reflect the inclusion of licensed architects.

Changed the document status from 'House Bill' to 'Enrolled Bill' and added standard proofreading and sealing language.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 28, 2026

How they voted

42–0

Passed · 7 other

Total votes 49

Mar 24, 2026

D Democratic36

31 Yea 5

86% Yea

R Republican13

11 Yea 2

84% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 28, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 301

executive

Apr 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed Enrolled

lower

Apr 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 11, 2026

Introduced

House Concurs Senate Amendments

lower

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

upper

Mar 28, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (102-29-11)

house of delegates

Mar 24, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (42-0-7)

senate

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Referred Finance

upper

Mar 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

Feb 6, 2026

Committee

First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

5 primary · 0 co-sponsors