Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB984

Introduced
5/31/23  

Caption

In miscellaneous provisions, further providing for protections for patients and caregivers.

Impact

The introduction of HB 984 would significantly modify the legal landscape surrounding employment practices related to medical marijuana users. It aims to provide a clearer framework for workplace rights, ensuring that individuals with medical marijuana certifications are not unjustly penalized in their employment status. This amendment reinforces the rights of employees while also considering the rights of employers to maintain safe and productive work environments. As such, it has the potential to reduce litigation regarding wrongful termination on the grounds of medical marijuana use.

Summary

House Bill 984 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, a law originally passed in 2016. The primary focus of this legislation is to enhance protections for employees who are certified to use medical marijuana. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from terminating, discriminating against, or retaliating against these employees solely based on their medical marijuana status. Additionally, the bill establishes certain stipulations regarding drug testing, restricting employer actions unless a safety risk is present or the employee's performance does not meet accepted standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 984 is mixed, reflecting a broader national debate about medical marijuana and employment rights. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step in protecting the rights of patients who may otherwise face discrimination in hiring and employment, especially in industries that conduct drug testing. However, there are concerns among employer groups regarding the balance of safety and worker rights, as they fear that the bill may hinder their ability to maintain safe work environments.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions around the implications of civil action provisions included in the bill, which allow individuals to seek damages if their rights are violated. Critics argue that this could lead to unnecessary litigation and stress for employers trying to navigate compliance with state and federal regulations. The bill's language regarding safety risks and performance standards is also a point of debate, as it may lead to ambiguous interpretations that could affect its enforcement and application in workplace scenarios.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB732

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in patients, further providing for prohibitions; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for protections for patients and caregivers and providing for enforcement and civil actions; and promulgating regulations.

PA H2169

Relative to worker compensation protections for certified medical cannabis patients and their caregivers

PA HB533

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA SB865

In miscellaneous provisions, further providing for urine drug screening requirement and providing for medetomidine awareness education.

PA HB33

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in practitioners, further providing for pr actitioner registration; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking and for laboratory; and, in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board.

PA HB662

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in miscellaneous, providing for release testing and reimbursement.

PA SB49

Establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for permits and for dispensing cannabis to patients and caregivers; and making repeals.

PA HB1775

In entertainment production tax credit, further providing for definitions and for limitations, providing for audits, further providing for limitations and providing for formal review by department, for creative professionals tax credit and for miscellaneous provisions.

PA HB1304

In administration and miscellaneous provisions, further providing for stress test of system; and, in administration, funds, accounts and general provisions, further providing for stress test of system.

PA SB1286

In licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege; and, in miscellaneous provisions relating to offenses in general, further providing for careless driving.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1641

marijuana producers; licensure

OK HB2807

Medical marijuana; medical marijuana transporter license; providing issuance of licenses for premises under certain circumstances; directing creation of inventory manifests documenting certain information; allowing certain licensees to maintain and operate warehouses under certain conditions; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2807

Medical marijuana; medical marijuana transporter license; providing issuance of licenses for premises under certain circumstances; directing creation of inventory manifests documenting certain information; allowing certain licensees to maintain and operate warehouses under certain conditions; effective date; emergency.

AZ SB1713

Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities

OK HB2897

Medical marijuana; transportation license; allowing transport of medical marijuana to patients; warehouses; inventory manifests and logs; signage; effective date.

OK HB2897

Medical marijuana; transportation license; allowing transport of medical marijuana to patients; warehouses; inventory manifests and logs; signage; effective date.