BILL NUMBER: S6073
SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the cannabis law, in relation to excluding volunteer
firefighters and emergency medical services employees from the permis-
sive use of marijuana
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To amend the cannabis law, in relation to excluding volunteer firefight-
ers and emergency medical services employees from the permissive use of
marijuana
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
To amend the cannabis law by adding two new subdivisions to reflect the
terms of "exempt fire agency" and "exempt employee" and the scope of
these positions in order to provide safety to a community. Also sets
forth provisions for the entitled agency to take all reasonable measures
to be assured there is no risk of cannabis impairment of its exempt
employees.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In 2021, New York State legalized recreational use cannabis, but in that
legislation failed to include certain safeguards that would ensure fire-
fighters, who are tasked with keeping our communities and their fellow
firefighters safe, are not impaired during the course of their duties.
This bill would address these safety concerns by allowing fire agencies
to take reasonable measures to assure there is little to no risk of
cannabis impairment among firefighters.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Likely none to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This effect shall take place immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6073: 3 cannabis law, 127 cannabis law