AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee voted Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, that would prohibit an employer from requiring or permitting a veterinarian to enter into a noncompete agreement unless they have an ownership interest in the practice. The bill would also prohibit a court from enforcing a noncompete agreement that was signed prior to the date the bill would become law.
"It is difficult to access veterinary care in Maine, especially in our more rural communities," said Fay. "Noncompete agreements add to that inaccessibility by putting restrictions on veterinarians that move on to other practices, for those seeking their veterinary services".
In the 130th Legislature, Fay sponsored legislation to increase the number of loans, and the amount of funding, available to emergency and agricultural veterinarians from the Finance Authority of Maine. LD 688 would further efforts to support Maines veterinary workers.
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Fay, House chair of the Government Oversight Committee and a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives. She serves the community members of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond and part of Poland.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Fay], c. 305-965-2744