The Maryland Senate Finance Committee has passed legislation to protect fire and rescue workers from employment penalties for medical marijuana use.
Filed by Senator Carl Jackson (D), Senate Bill 1023 would prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against fire and rescue public safety employees who are certified medical marijuana patients.
If enacted, SB 1023 would safeguard firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and other fire and rescue personnel from discrimination based on their legal medical marijuana use. The bill prevents employers from disciplining, discharging, or penalizing employees solely for possessing a valid medical marijuana certification or testing positive for marijuana components or metabolites. However, it does not allow employees to work while impaired or use marijuana within 12 hours of a work shift.
The legislation includes provisions to ensure compliance with federal regulations, allowing employers to avoid penalties related to federal funding or licensing. If signed into law, the measure would take effect on October 1, 2025.
A companion bill, House Bill 1408, sponsored by Delegate Adrian Boafo (D), is currently under consideration in the House Economic Matters Committee.
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