New York could become the latest state in the U.S. to ban noncompete agreements. A bill passed the state's Assembly earlier this week and is now on the governor's desk.

Why it matters: There's new energy around banning or limiting the use of these often-criticized agreements, which prevent people from working for a new employer for a period of time after they leave a job.

• That new buzz is thanks in part to the Federal Trade Commission's proposal earlier this year to ban them nationally.

State of play: Minnesota passed a law banning noncompetes last year; it will go into effect July 1.

• Washington, D.C.'s ban went into effect this year, making the agreements unenforceable for those earning less than $150,000 a year, or medical specialists who make under $250,000.
• Nine other states, including Colorado, Illinois, and Oregon have laws — all passed since 2019 — limiting noncompete agreements to higher earners.
• Three states have had noncompete bans in place for more than a century: California (since 1872), North Dakota (1865) and Oklahoma (1890).

There's a feedback loop happening between the states and the federal government, "acknowledging that noncompetes in any way, shape or form are a real problem," said Pat Garofalo, director of state and local policy at the progressive American Economic Liberties Project.

Yes, but: It's unclear whether New York's Democratic governor Kathy Hochul will sign the bill into law — her office didn't respond to emailed questions.

• "We hope the...

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