Groundbreaking Bill Would Protect Marijuana Users from Getting Fired

A new bill introduced in Oregon could shift the tide for the way businesses operating in pro-marijuana states choose to treat their employees that lawfully use marijuana during their personal time.

Senate Bill 301 was introduced in Oregon and would protect people from getting fired for off-duty marijuana use, according to Fox Business.

A portion of the bill reads, “It is an unlawful employment practice for any employer to require, as a condition of employment, that any employee or prospective employee refrain from using a substance that is lawful to use under the laws of this state during nonworking hours; except when the restriction relates to: A bona fide occupational [requirement] qualification; or the performance of work while impaired.”

There will be a few professions that would be exempt from Senate Bill 301, such as union-represented professionals and truck drivers, for example. Oregon is an at-will employment state, so no reason has to be provided if an employee is terminated.

The bill has to undergo a judicial review before it is passed onto the State Senate, House and Governor. Some speculate that the state legislature will require a specific list of industries or professions to be exempt from following Senate Bill 301 before the bill will pass.