PRESS RELEASE
Americans for Safe Access
For Immediate Release: April 5, 2011
California Medical Marijuana Employment Rights Bill Approved by Senate Committee
Legislation would prevent discrimination, continue to guard against impairment at the workplace
Sacramento, CA — The State Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 today, approving a bill that would protect medical marijuana patients from discrimination at the workplace. Senate Bill 129, introduced by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) in January is an attempt to clarify the legislative intent of the state’s Medical Marijuana Program Act passed in 2003. While clearly establishing a patient’s right to work, SB 129 continues to prohibit on-the-job impairment. The bill now moves to the senate floor for an as-of-yet unscheduled vote.
“When Californians approved the compassionate use of cannabis, they never intended for it to apply only to unemployed people,” said Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). “With unemployment at record-high rates, we should be doing everything we can to keep productive and responsible members of the workforce in their jobs.”
Download a Fact Sheet about SB129
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Also see: Delayed Vote Delayed on SB 129
