Maryland’s Full Senate Advances Bill Protecting Fire and Rescue Workers Who Use Medical Marijuana

Legislation in Maryland that would protect fire and rescue personnel from workplace penalties over lawful medical marijuana use has been given approval by the state’s full Senate. Senate Bill 439 was approved by the full Maryland Senate today on second reading, placing the proposal one step away from final passage in the chamber. A third and final reading vote is expected soon.

Filed by State Senator Carl Jackson (D), the legislation would prohibit employers from disciplining, terminating, or otherwise discriminating against fire and rescue public safety employees solely because they possess a valid written certification for medical marijuana or test positive for cannabis components or metabolites while holding that certification.

The bill applies to firefighters, emergency medical technicians, cardiac rescue technicians and paramedics employed by municipal governments, counties, the state, the State Airport Authority or a fire control district.

Under the proposal, employers would also be barred from limiting, segregating or classifying employees in a way that reduces employment opportunities due to lawful medical marijuana use outside of work.

The bill also states that it does not require employers to violate federal law or risk losing federal funding or licensing-related benefits.

If the Senate gives final approval on third reading, it will move to the House for consideration.