Rep. Cohn files bill in North Carolina House to restrict non-compete agreements

A new bill filed by State Rep. Bryan Cohn seeks to promote fair labor practices by limiting non-compete agreements and reviewing occupational licensing regulations, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 269 on March 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Workforce Freedom and Protection Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill, known as the “Workforce Freedom and Protection Act,” aims to enhance job mobility and promote fair labor practices by prohibiting non-compete agreements for employees earning less than $75,000 a year, effective July 1, 2025. It invalidates existing agreements and prevents the use of restrictive past agreements. Additionally, the bill empowers employees to pursue civil actions for violations, permits investigation by the Attorney General, and mandates that legal disputes be adjudicated within North Carolina with local law protections. Furthermore, the bill commissions the Legislative Research Commission to study and potentially streamline occupational licensing, focusing on eliminating unnecessary barriers in key industries like construction, cosmetology, and health services. It calls for public engagement and a comprehensive review of North Carolina’s licensing regulations compared to national standards, with findings to be reported for legislative consideration by the 2027 General Assembly.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Carolyn G. Logan proposed the most bills (10) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cohn, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 32nd House district, replacing previous state representative Frank Sossamon.