It seems like random bureaucrats are the only people keeping the American government from completely imploding, because the legislators sure aren't doing their jobs.
While I agree with your sentiment that our legislative branch is very under-performing right now due mostly to two-party politics, all enforcement of law comes down to the executive and judicial branches, so this action in that context makes sense.
If the common view is that these agreements are an undue encroachment upon and individuals right to use their time as they see fit, then the cases would be thrown out and potentially some legislature will ultimately be put in place?
Noncompetes have already been thoroughly tested by the court systems in the states where they are legal.
When I left a job with one, I called a local lawyer specializing in employment law and they were able to tell me exactly what provisions a state court would and would not uphold.
