Beginning in 2020, Nevada employers will no longer be able to refuse to hire a job applicant for failing a marijuana drug test. This new law was signed into effect just last week by Governor Steve Sisolak and makes Nevada the first state to pass a law like this.
There are some exceptions to this new ruling. The ban will not apply to firefighters, EMTs, employees who operate motor vehicles, work for the federal government or who are involved in other safety sensitive positions as determined by their employer.
To see the exact details and exceptions to this bill, you can view the bill in its entiretyhere.
“As our legal cannabis industry continues to flourish, it’s important to ensure the door of economic opportunity remains open for all Nevadans,” Governor Sisolak said in a statement. “That’s why I was proud to sign AB 132 into law.”
Nevada employers will still be able to administer pre-employment screenings for other drugs, but positive cannabis screenings will no longer be able cause for not hiring an applicant.
This new legislation is intended to help protect discrimination against those who are lawfully using marijuana, as recreational marijuana was legalized in Nevada in 2017.
If you are located in Nevada or hire within Nevada and have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our drug testing team.