A bill that would prohibit Washington state employers from discriminating against potential job applicants based on the legal use of marijuana is now in the hands of Governor Jay Inslee for his consideration.
Washington lawmakers sent Senate Bill 5123 to Mr. Inslee’s desk Monday, though it was not clear whether the governor would sign or veto the legislation.
The bill would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants by banning pre-employment drug tests that look for evidence of cannabis use.
Washington is one of 22 states that have legalized recreational marijuana. Delaware recently became the latest state to legalize, albeit without its governor̵
7;s signature.While the Washington measure would prohibit employers from basing initial hiring decisions on past cannabis use, it still allows employers to have policies in place that allow for a drug-free workplace.
The bill would not apply to applicants seeking federal government jobs, law enforcement and other first responder positions, and other “safety-sensitive positions for which on-the-job impairments pose a significant risk of death.”
Nor would it apply to the aviation and aerospace industry.
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