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MarylandSB 04392026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Employment Discrimination - Fire and Rescue Public Safety Employees - Use of Medical Cannabis

Sponsored By: Carl Jackson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Human RelationsCannabisPublic SafetyCannabis -see also- CannDist; CannProd; Smok&VapCertificationsChemical TestsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.DisciplineDiscriminationEmergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdFire ProtectionMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPublic Employees -see also- State EmployeesRescue Squads -see also- Emergency Medical ServState EmployeesTermination of EmploymentWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Protections for fire and EMS medical cannabis users

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered fire and rescue workers with a valid medical cannabis certification get job protections. Employers cannot fire, discipline, or deny pay or benefits just because you have a valid written certification or tested positive while you held one. Your use must follow the limits in your certification. Covered workers include a firefighter, EMT, cardiac rescue technician, or paramedic employed by a city, county, the State, the State Airport Authority, or a fire control district.

Fire and EMS on-duty cannabis rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, employers can stop a covered worker from performing duties if the worker is impaired by cannabis. Employers can also ban cannabis use while on duty, even if you have a valid medical certification. Employers do not have to take actions that violate federal law or that risk losing federal money or licenses. If a covered worker shows up to work impaired by cannabis, the employer must report it to the State Emergency Medical Services Board.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carl Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 34

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 108 • No: 23 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 11 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 183

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (108-23)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    4/8/2026House

  6. Referred Economic Matters

    3/9/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (33-11)

    3/6/2026Senate

  8. Motion Special Order until 3/6 (Senator Jennings) Adopted

    3/5/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/3/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/2/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    1/30/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/30/2026

    PDF

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