Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Legislation to prevent noncompete agreements for broadcast workers passes PA House

Legislation to prevent noncompete agreements for broadcast workers passes PA House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 1, 2026

Legislation (H.B. 2558) introduced by state Reps. Ben Waxman and Jose Giral, both D-Phila., that would prohibit noncompete agreements for reporters, anchors, producers, editors and other broadcast workers -- giving them greater freedom and flexibility in finding work --passed the PA House today.

“Strong local journalism depends on talented journalists, not restrictive contracts,” Waxman said. “Noncompete agreements trap media workers, suppress wages and make it harder for local newsrooms to retain experienced reporters. Ending these agreements will strengthen our local press by giving journalists the freedom to build their careers while continuing to serve their communities.”

“The personalities we see on broadcast news and the skilled staff who work behind the scenes, by necessity, become experts on the regions they serve,” Giral said. “Noncompetes make it nearly impossible for many of these individuals to take advantage of better employment opportunities while staying in the regions in which they’ve set down roots. News stations don’t own their employees, and they shouldn’t block them from having agency in their own careers.”

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

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CONTACT: Molly Peters
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: mpeters@pahouse.net