New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Rejects Ban on Noncompete Agreements

ALBANY, N.Y.—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation that would have banned noncompete agreements for employees, after business groups warned such a measure would push jobs out of state.

Hochul, a Democrat, said Friday that she supported eliminating noncompete agreements for low and middle-income workers. She had floated a compromise with Democratic lawmakers in Albany in which noncompete clauses would remain for higher-paid employees but a flurry of negotiations, including through Friday, ended without a deal.