The proposed bill, titled the "Medical Marijuana Public Employee Protection Act," aims to safeguard public employees who are qualified patients using medical marijuana from adverse personnel actions by their employers. It establishes a new section in the Florida Statutes, defining key terms such as "adverse personnel action," "qualified patient," and "public employer." The bill prohibits public employers from taking negative employment actions against employees or job applicants solely based on their medical marijuana use, with certain exceptions. For instance, if an employer can demonstrate that the use of medical marijuana impairs an employee's job performance, they may take appropriate action. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for handling positive marijuana test results, including the requirement for employers to notify employees of their rights to contest such results.

Furthermore, the bill provides a cause of action for employees or job applicants who experience adverse actions in violation of this section, allowing them to seek relief through civil action within 180 days of the alleged violation. The court may grant various forms of relief, including reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and reasonable attorney fees. However, the bill clarifies that it does not prevent employers from taking action against employees for the use of controlled substances during work hours or require modifications to job conditions that would violate federal law. Overall, the legislation aims to balance the rights of public employees using medical marijuana with the operational needs of public employers.