State legislators in Massachusetts have been debating the issue of employee noncompete agreements, which seek to keep employees from jumping to a rival, for at least seven years now. But despite Governor Deval Patrick proposing a ban on the contracts last year, nothing has changed.

Most employers argue that noncompetes are an essential tool for retaining top talent; some venture capitalists and entrepreneurs say they smother startup activity and make it hard to bring on the experienced people young companies need as they grow. The vast majority of workers don’t pay attention to them — until they start looking for their next job or get laid off, and realize that a noncompete can limit their options.

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