Latest news with #Act16
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Legislation aims to clarify workplace rules for medical marijuana use in PA
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking steps to eliminate confusion over medical marijuana use in the workplace with new legislation aimed at protecting both employees and employers. In a co-sponsorship memo released this week, Rep. Napoleon Nelson and another House member announced plans to introduce a bill that would provide clearer rules for how employers handle medical marijuana under state law. The bill is a companion to Senate Bill 1290 from a previous session, which was supported by a bipartisan group of state senators. Though medical marijuana has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2016 under Act 16, it remains illegal at the federal level. That disconnect has left employers without federal guidance on how to treat workers who are certified medical marijuana patients. The proposed legislation would define key terms related to medical marijuana use and provide consistent guidelines for workplace drug testing. It would also clarify when job applicants or employees must disclose medical marijuana use, particularly for safety-sensitive positions, and how such use affects unemployment and workers' compensation eligibility. Importantly, the bill does not change the current legal protection that prevents employers from firing or refusing to hire someone solely for being a medical marijuana patient. Instead, lawmakers say the goal is to remove ambiguity and ensure fair treatment on both sides. Supporters hope the legislation will give Pennsylvania businesses and workers confidence and structure as they navigate medical marijuana policy in the workplace. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Arkansas' new "blue envelope" law aims to ease police encounters with people with autism
Arkansas is the first state in the South to implement a "blue envelope program" intended to make traffic stops involving drivers with autism smoother. How it works: People with autism will be able to request a blue envelope at the DMV where they can keep documents like registration, insurance and a driver's license to hand to a police officer if they are pulled over. Why it matters: People with autism might be overwhelmed by police presence and react with a "fight" or "flight" response. They might not respond to commands, or they'll avoid eye contact during a police encounter, according to Autism Speaks. Equipping an officer with the context that the person has autism can prevent misunderstandings and dangerous situations. What they're saying: The blue envelope program is a simple, nonverbal way for drivers to communicate to police officers they have autism so the officers can be mindful during the interaction, state Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville) told Axios. Pilkington sponsored the recently passed bill — now Act 16 — after a constituent approached him about implementing such a program. Both the law enforcement and autism advocacy communities were on board, he said. Some states like Massachusetts and Vermont already have the program. Pilkington hopes the Arkansas law will become model legislation that other southern states will follow. What's next: The law, signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier this month, requires the Department of Finance and Administration to develop the program, including having the specially designed envelopes, by Jan. 1, 2026.
