We recently reported on a new noncompete law in Virginia, effective July 1, 2026, that requires employers to pay severance in order to enforce a noncompete agreement against an employee terminated without cause. Virginia lawmakers passed another law, HB 627, also effective July 1, 2026, banning noncompete agreements with “health care professionals.” HB 627 is not retroactive and therefore does not apply to (or affect) any agreement entered prior to July 1, 2026.