The Senate has voted 23-13 in favor of HB 487, a controversial measure regarding non-compete agreements with former employees. Backers said the bill will protect employers from unfair competition, by making it easier for employers to sue former employees over non-compete contracts; opponents said it will make it difficult for employees to leave a job to start their own business or join another firm, and could hurt business expansion in Idaho.

The measure earlier passed the House; it now heads to Gov. Butch Otter. Idaho Statesman reporter Zach Kyle has a full report here on the issues behind the bill.