S 98
An Act prohibiting employment discrimination based on legal use of cannabis
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits employers in Massachusetts from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their legal use of cannabis. It aims to ensure that individuals who use cannabis responsibly are not unfairly disadvantaged in the workplace. The legislation seeks to align employment practices with current cannabis laws and promote fairness for those who comply with regulations. This bill builds upon existing efforts to address cannabis-related issues in the state.
Key provisions
- Prohibits employment discrimination based on legal cannabis use.
- Applies to both public and private sector employers.
- Does not prevent employers from maintaining a drug-free workplace.
- Addresses discrimination during hiring, promotion, and termination.
- Clarifies that legal cannabis use does not automatically disqualify an applicant or employee.
Who is affected
- Employees
- Job Applicants
- Employers
- Massachusetts Residents
Notable changes
- Creates a legal basis to challenge employment discrimination related to cannabis use.
- Addresses a potential gap in existing protections for cannabis users.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Jacob R. Oliveira
Cosponsors
Jacob R. Oliveira
Joanne M. Comerford
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill S.98 194th (Current)
An Act prohibiting employment discrimination based on legal use of cannabis
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 98) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit employment discrimination based on the legal use of cannabis. Cannabis Policy.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Jacob R. Oliveira Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.98
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Cannabis Policy |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/13/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in B-1 |
| 11/3/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
H.159 194th (Current)
An Act prohibiting employment discrimination based on legal use of cannabis
S.48 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act relative to cannabis use by first responders
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.