Louisiana and Maryland have recently enacted restrictions on noncompete agreements with certain individuals and professions that will go into effect later this calendar year, and Iowa also passed legislation that recently went into effect.
Here’s what employers need to know.
On May 15, 2026, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed House Bill 315 into law, enacted as Act No. 150 (the “Louisiana Act”). Effective August 1, 2026, the Louisiana Act amends Louisiana’s noncompete statute, R.S. 23:921, by adding subsection (P) that prohibits noncompete agreements with interns and apprentices, whether paid or unpaid, stating that that “there shall be no contract or agreement or provision entered into by an intern, whether paid or unpaid, or apprentice and his employer restraining the intern or apprentice from engaging in a business or an employment similar to that of the employer.” “Intern” is defined as a “student learner who participates in an internship authorized and regulated by Louisiana’s work-based learning program regulations (LAC 28:CXV.3113), or any successor regulations published by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.”
The Louisiana Act also prohibits contracts or agreements that restrict an intern or apprentice from pursuing employment, educational, or professional opportunities following the completion of the internship or apprenticeship. Agreements respecting confidentiality, intellectual property, and data protection remain...
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