The California Assembly approved legislation Aug. 30 to prevent employers from punishing workers for off-the-clock cannabis use, sending it to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Assembly Bill 2188, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Quirk, would prohibit companies from discriminating against an individual in hiring, termination, or any term or condition of employment based on the person’s use of cannabis when off the job and away from the workplace, according to the California Globe.
The law would carve out certain exceptions, including those for preemployment drug screening tests and employees who require federal background checks or clearance, as well as those in jobs with high safety standards, like construction workers, the news outlet reported.
If Newsom ultimately signs the bill, the law will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, according to the California Globe.
Similar laws have been passed in Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Montana and Rhode Island, the news outlet reported.