Bill > H159

This bill seeks to prohibit employment discrimination against individuals based on their legal use of cannabis by amending Massachusetts state law. The bill defines a "safety sensitive position" as a job where impairment could potentially cause immediate and permanent physical injury or loss of life. Under the proposed legislation, employers would be prohibited from refusing to hire, firing, or discriminating against an employee solely because of the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or marijuana metabolites in their bodily samples. The bill allows employers to take action only if there is reasonable suspicion that an employee was impaired at work, and provides a defense for employers if the presence of cannabis prevents an employee from maintaining necessary job-related licenses or credentials. Importantly, the anti-discrimination protections do not apply to safety sensitive positions or in situations where compliance would violate federal law, regulations, contracts, or funding agreements. This legislation aims to protect workers who use cannabis legally while still allowing employers to maintain workplace safety standards.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H159