In the wake of increasing federal and state scrutiny on the use of non-compete agreements for lower wage workers, Illinois has enacted the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (the “Act”).1 The Act, which applies to agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2017, prohibits non-governmental employers from entering into “covenants not to compete” with “low-wage employees.” The Act defines “low-wage employees” as employees who earn less than the greater of (1) the hourly minimum wage under federal, state or local law or (2) $13.00 per hour. Given current federal and state regulations, the Act will apply to employees earning $13.00 per hour or below.