House Bill No. by Representative Mandie Landry aims to address employment discrimination related to the use of medical marijuana by state employees and potential employees. The bill enacts R.S. 49:1016(D), which specifies that the provisions preventing employment discrimination based on medical marijuana usage will apply to all departments, agencies, and employees within both the state classified and unclassified service. Additionally, it mandates that these provisions be binding upon the State Civil Service Commission and all appointing authorities.

The bill retains existing laws that protect employees with a clinical diagnosis of a debilitating medical condition who have been recommended medical marijuana by a licensed physician. However, it clarifies that negative employment consequences can still be imposed on employees who are impaired by marijuana during work hours or on employer premises, as well as on those whose job responsibilities involve operating or maintaining state vehicles. The bill also maintains exemptions for certain roles, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, public safety officials, and employees of the horse racing commission.