AUGUSTA - Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, introduced legislation Thursday before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee 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.
"Veterinary care, particularly in rural Maine, is often not readily accessible," said Fay. "Options are limited, which has an impact on Mainers across the state who love, own and care for animals, including livestock, working animals and pets."
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 Maine's veterinary workers.
"In the states where these noncompete agreements are allowed, corporate practices are moving in and limiting the areas that former employees can practice," said Fay. "Given the small number of practices and the high cost of practicing in Maine, noncompete agreements are limiting options for those needing veterinary care. With a rise in out-of-state-owned corporate veterinary practices utilizing geographic noncompetes, access to care for Maines animals could be even further impacted."
The Labor and Housing Committee will hold a work session on the bill 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