"I didn't want people to be discriminated against about the lawful use of marijuana,"
Nevada has become the first state to ban pre-employment marijuana tests. The law will come into effect January 2020.
“It is unlawful for any employer in this State to fail or refuse to hire a prospective employee because the prospective employee submitted to a screening test and the results of the screening test indicate the presence of marijuana,” states the law, signed by Gov. Steve Sisolak on June 5.
“I didn’t want people to be discriminated against about the lawful use of marijuana,” Assemblywoman Dina Neal said. “That was my purpose.”
Neal co-sponsored AB132. She said the legislation is intended to parallel the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state.
There are some exceptions
Those trying to become firefighters or EMT’s cannot test positive. Professions that use federal funding would also require marijuana testing because the drug is still illegal at the federal level, employees who operate a motor vehicle, or those who, in the determination of the employer, could adversely affect others’ safety.
The bill also allows employees who are required to submit a screening test within the first 30 days of being hired the chance to take a second test, at the expense of the employee.
“As our legal cannabis industry continues to flourish, it’s important to ensure that the door of economic opportunity remains open for all Nevadans,” Gov. Sisolak said. “That’s why I was proud to sign AB132 into law, which contains common-sense exceptions for public safety and transportation professionals.”
Source – CNN
Image – public domain pictures
