Florida Senator Files Bills to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients at Work and in Family Courts

The first measure, Senate Bill 0136, would prohibit public employers from disciplining or refusing to hire an employee or job applicant solely because they are registered medical marijuana patients. The bill bars adverse personnel actions—including termination, suspension, demotion, or discrimination in pay and conditions of employment—when based on a person’s lawful medical marijuana use. Under the proposed law, exceptions would exist if an employee shows signs of on-the-job impairment that affect performance or safety, but employers would not be able to use a positive marijuana drug test alone as grounds for action. Employees disciplined in violation of the law could seek reinstatement, lost wages, and attorney’s fees.

The second bill, Senate Bill 130, focuses on protecting parental rights. It would prevent courts from denying custody, visitation, or parenting time with a minor solely because a parent is a qualified medical marijuana patient. The legislation clarifies that medical marijuana use cannot be treated as evidence of neglect or child endangerment, ensuring parents are not unfairly penalized for lawful treatment under Florida law.

Both measures reflect growing concerns about discrimination against medical marijuana patients more than seven years after the state first legalized its use. Senator Polsky’s proposals would solidify protections in the workplace and the family courts, providing new legal safeguards for patients who rely on medical marijuana.