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Nevada lawmakers hear bill on pre-hiring marijuana testing

Posted at 9:47 AM, Feb 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-21 12:47:17-05

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada lawmakers are hearing a bill that would make it illegal for employers to disqualify a job candidate because marijuana showed up in their drug screening.

Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Dina Neal says the legislation would only relate to pre-employment screenings. She says the bill does not prevent an employer from taking action against an employee who shows up to work under the influence of marijuana. The hearing began Wednesday afternoon in Carson City, Nev.

Neal says she wants to ensure there is not a sub class of people who are cut out from unemployment due to legally using marijuana. She also argued the bill does not conflict with the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

The legislation also prevents an employer from requiring a job candidate take a character assessment.