Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §599 is enacted to read:

§599.__Employment in broadcasting industry

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, "broadcasting industry" means television stations or networks or radio stations or networks.

2.__Geographic restriction prohibited.__A broadcasting industry employer may not require, as a condition of employment, that an employee or prospective employee refrain from obtaining employment in a specified geographic area for a specified period of time after separation of employment, whether involuntary or voluntary, from the broadcasting industry employer.

3.__Liability.__A person who violates this section is liable in a civil action for damages, attorney's fees and costs.

SUMMARY

This bill precludes employment restrictions in the broadcasting industry that seek to restrict competition by requiring employees, as a condition of employment, to agree not to work in a specified geographic area for a specified period of time after their employment with a broadcasting industry employer.