Introduction

Overview and ImportanceIn the heart of Colorado’s legal landscape, a significant change has emerged that demands every small business owner’s attention: Colorado House Bill 22-1317. Signed into law on June 8, 2022, and effective as of August 10, 2022, this legislation reshapes the way non-compete, non-solicit, confidentiality, and non-disclosure agreements are used within the state. For small business owners navigating the complexities of growth and protection of intellectual assets, understanding the ins and outs of this bill is not just important—it’s essential.Impact on EmployersFor employers, particularly those within the burgeoning Denver business community, the implications are vast and multifaceted. The law primarily targets restrictive employment agreements, setting new thresholds for enforceability based on compensation levels and imposing stringent notice requirements.

• Non-Competes: Now largely limited to “highly compensated” workers earning above $101,250.
• Non-Solicits: Restricted based on the worker’s earning threshold.
• Confidentiality Agreements: Remain enforceable provided they adhere to specified limitations.
• Penalties: Employers face significant fines for non-compliance.

 This legislative shift underscores a broader movement towards employee mobility and protection within Colorado and serves as a bellwether for legal trends nationwide.At Basecamp Legal P.C., we understand that small business owners are often caught in the whirlwind of daily operations, making it challenging to stay abreast of legal changes. Our mission is to simplify these legal complexities, allowing you to focus on what you do best—running your business.By the end of this guide, you’ll not only comprehend the pivotal aspects of HB 22-1317 but also how to navigate its impact with confidence, ensuring your business remains compliant and ahead of the curve.

Understanding Colorado House Bill 22-1317

Non-Compete Agreements

Colorado House Bill 22-1317 marks a significant change in how non-compete agreements are handled in the state. Starting from August 9, 2022, these agreements are mostly void except for “highly compensated” workers. This means if an employee earns less than $101,250 annually, non-compete clauses can’t be enforced against them. This shift aims to protect trade secrets without unfairly restricting employees’ ability to work.

Non-Solicitation Agreements

Similarly, customer non-solicitation agreements are now limited. They must be reasonably necessary to safeguard the employer’s trade secrets and can only be applied to workers earning at least 60% of the highly compensated threshold, which is $60,750 for 2022. However, HB 22-1317 doesn’t address employee non-solicitation agreements, leaving existing case law to guide their application.

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements

The bill still allows for reasonable confidentiality agreements. These can’t prohibit the disclosure of general knowledge, skills, or information that’s publicly available or that the worker has a legal right to disclose. This ensures that while trade secrets are protected, employees are not unduly restricted in their future employment opportunities.

Notice Requirements

Employers must now provide clear notice of any non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions to prospective employees before they accept an offer of employment and to existing employees at least 14 days before the agreement takes effect. This transparency is crucial for ensuring that all parties understand the terms of employment from the outset.

Choice of Law and Venue

HB 22-1317 mandates that Colorado law and venue apply to all agreements containing restrictive covenants if the employee primarily resides and works in Colorado. This prevents employers from circumventing state law by requiring disputes to be adjudicated elsewhere.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers face stiff penalties for non-compliance, including a $5,000 penalty per affected worker, actual damages, injunctive relief, and the recovery of costs and attorneys’ fees. This underscores the importance of adhering to the new rules and encourages employers to review and adjust their existing agreements and practices.Navigating Compliance with HB 22-1317Adjusting to these changes requires a thorough review of current employment agreements and possibly restructuring them to meet the new legal standards. Employers should focus on ensuring their agreements are tailored narrowly to protect legitimate business interests without overreaching. For those navigating these complex waters, seeking legal counsel from firms like Basecamp Legal P.C. can provide clarity and confidence in compliance strategies. The firm’s expertise can guide employers through the maze of requirements, helping them to adjust their practices and avoid potential penalties.By understanding and adhering to Colorado House Bill 22-1317, employers can maintain the delicate balance between protecting their business interests and respecting their employees’ rights to work and compete in their industry.

Navigating Compliance with HB 22-1317

Navigating the new terrain set by Colorado House Bill 22-1317 requires thoughtful preparation and strategic legal planning. For employers, ensuring compliance not only safeguards against potential penalties but also aligns with ethical business practices. Here’s how to prepare for the changes and devise legal strategies that protect both your business and your employees.

Preparing for Changes

Reviewing Existing Agreements: Start by conducting a thorough review of all current employment agreements. Identify any clauses that may conflict with the new stipulations of HB 22-1317. This includes non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements.Adjusting HR Practices: Human Resources practices must evolve to comply with the new law. This includes updating templates for employment contracts and developing a clear process for issuing the required notice to employees regarding restrictive covenants.Legal Consultation: Consulting with a legal expert, like Basecamp Legal P.C., is crucial. They can provide tailored advice on modifying existing agreements and drafting new ones that comply with HB 22-1317.Salary Threshold Adjustments: Ensure that any restrictive covenants apply only to employees who meet the salary thresholds specified by the law. Adjustments may be necessary to align with these requirements.Agreement Modifications: Modify any existing agreements that don’t meet the new law’s criteria. This may involve adjusting the scope of non-compete clauses or redefining what constitutes a trade secret.Training and Education: Educate your management and HR teams about the changes. Providing training on the new legal landscape will help prevent inadvertent violations.

Legal Strategies for Employers

Protecting Trade Secrets: While HB 22-1317 restricts certain restrictive covenants, it still allows for the protection of trade secrets. Develop a clear definition of what constitutes a trade secret in your organization and ensure that confidentiality agreements are in place to protect these assets.Ensuring Compliance: Regularly review your employment agreements and HR practices to ensure they remain compliant with HB 22-1317. Stay informed about any further legal developments or interpretations of the law that may affect your compliance strategy.Avoiding Penalties: The penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, including fines and criminal charges. Avoid these by proactively ensuring all agreements and practices are in line with the law. If in doubt, seek legal advice before proceeding with enforcement actions against departing employees.In summary, navigating compliance with Colorado House Bill 22-1317 requires a proactive approach, including reviewing and adjusting existing agreements, aligning HR practices with the new law, and seeking expert legal consultation. By taking these steps, employers can protect their business interests while respecting the rights of their employees. Basecamp Legal P.C. stands ready to assist employers in adapting to these changes, ensuring that their business practices remain both compliant and competitive.Transitioning into this new legal landscape may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and legal support, employers can navigate these changes successfully.

Conclusion

The enactment of Colorado House Bill 22-1317 represents a significant shift in the legal framework governing employment agreements within the state. For Colorado employers, this means a pressing need to revisit and potentially revise their current employment contracts, policies, and practices to align with the new requirements. The implications of not doing so are too significant to ignore, with increased risks of legal challenges and penalties now a reality.At Basecamp Legal P.C., we understand the complexities and nuances of this new legislation and its potential impact on your business. Our team is dedicated to providing clear, straightforward legal guidance to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Whether it’s reviewing your existing agreements, advising on necessary adjustments, or training your HR team on the new law’s requirements, we’re here to support you every step of the way.Here’s how we can help: – Review and Revise Agreements: Ensuring your non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and non-disclosure agreements comply with the new law. – Strategic Planning: Advising on how to adjust your employment strategies to protect your business interests while staying within legal bounds. – Compliance Training: Offering training sessions for your management and HR teams to understand and implement the necessary changes effectively. – Ongoing Support: Providing continuous legal support to navigate any future challenges or changes in legislation.The transition to compliance with Colorado House Bill 22-1317 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal partner, you can ensure that your business not only complies with the new law but also retains its competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.Let Basecamp Legal P.C. be your guide through this evolving legal landscape. Our expertise and proactive approach can help safeguard your business against potential legal pitfalls while ensuring your employment practices are fair, compliant, and effective.For more information on how we can assist you with Colorado House Bill 22-1317, please visit our service page. Together, we can navigate these changes, ensuring your business continues to thrive in Colorado’s dynamic employment environment.