Bill > A05246

This bill amends the cannabis law to specifically exclude volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) employees from the permissive use of marijuana, focusing on safety-sensitive roles in fire and emergency services. The bill defines two key terms: "exempt fire agency" as a fire department providing emergency services, and "exempt employee" as volunteer firefighters or EMS workers whose responsibilities directly impact safety, such as operating fire apparatus, performing rescue activities, and delivering emergency medical care. The legislation allows exempt fire agencies to implement comprehensive measures to ensure employee safety, including pre-employment testing, random drug tests, and testing for cause in accordance with federal standards. Additionally, the bill mandates that any exempt employee prescribed medical cannabis must immediately report their prescription to their agency, which will then consult with a medical director to determine the employee's fitness for duty and potential work restrictions. The primary goal of this bill is to protect public safety by preventing potential impairment among critical emergency service personnel while providing a structured approach to managing medical cannabis use in these sensitive professional roles.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5246