S.B. 2543 Summary

• Prohibits employers from discriminating against medical cannabis cardholders in hiring, termination, or employment terms, unless doing so would cause the employer to lose monetary or licensing-related benefits under federal law or contract.

• Allows employers to take adverse action against employees who use or possess medical cannabis in the workplace while impaired, and permits fit-for-duty testing in potentially dangerous occupations.

• Exempts nine employment categories from these protections: law enforcement, firefighters, water safety officers, employees authorized to carry firearms, emergency medical services personnel, employees administering controlled substances, employees working with children or vulnerable populations, civil defense personnel, and operators of commercial vehicles or certain machinery.

• Provides employer immunity from liability if a medical cannabis-impaired employee is injured or killed and cannabis impairment was the sole contributing factor.

• Takes effect January 1, 2050.