Governor Maura Healey Proposes Amendments to Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act
Governor Maura Healey has introduced a bill titled 'An Act Relative to Massachusetts Winning Global Investment, Talent, and Innovation' aimed at amending the Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act (MNAA). Filed on April 16, 2026, the bill seeks to support key sectors such as defense, applied AI, robotics, and quantum technology by encouraging investment and easing business growth in Massachusetts. The proposed changes focus on altering the consideration requirements under the MNAA, which has sparked debate. Critics argue that the amendments could undermine the objectives of fostering innovation and investment by treating the MNAA's allowance for 'other mutually-agreed upon consideration' as a loophole rather than a legislative compromise. The bill has faced scrutiny for its assumptions about the value of consideration and the timing of negotiations.