Bill > S1148

This bill proposes to add a new section to Massachusetts law that protects employee rights related to marijuana use outside of work. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from discriminating against or penalizing employees for using marijuana, as long as the employee is not using marijuana in the workplace, during work hours, or while performing job-related tasks, and is not impaired while working. The law includes some important exceptions: employers who are required to test for marijuana due to federal regulations are exempt from these protections, and employers can still take adverse employment action if an employee cannot maintain necessary job credentials or is charged with a marijuana-related crime that the employer reasonably believes the employee committed. Employees who believe they have been wrongfully discriminated against can file a civil lawsuit and potentially recover actual damages, or up to double damages if the employer knowingly violated the law. The bill also requires the executive offices of labor and workforce development and public safety to create regulations to enforce this new provision, indicating a comprehensive approach to implementing these employee protections.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1148