spot_imgspot_img

New bill would change federal hiring practices on past cannabis use

A new bill would make sure prospective federal employees aren’t disqualified solely for past cannabis use.

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., introduced the Dismantling Outdated Obstacles and Barriers to Individual Employment (DOOBIE) Act to ensure applicants for federal positions or security clearances are not denied solely on the basis of past recreational and medical marijuana use.

“As we work to build a highly skilled federal workforce, it’s crucial that the federal government modernizes its hiring practices to reflect evolving laws and societal norms,” Peters said in a statement. “My bill will take the commonsense step to align federal statutes with existing agency guidance and ensure that talented individuals are not automatically disqualified from service solely due to past marijuana use.”

Under existing law, otherwise qualified candidates could be denied federal employment or security clearances due to past use of marijuana or cannabis products, despite the legalization of such products at the state level.

Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational cannabis use. Another 14 states allow medical cannabis use.

At the federal level, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD. In May, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland submitted a notice of proposed rulemaking to the Federal Register, kicking off a formal rulemaking process to consider moving marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

“By providing this much-needed clarity for agencies and applicants, we will ensure that the federal government can recruit and retain the best and brightest to serve our nation,” Peters said.

The bill had not picked up any cosponsors as of Friday.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Illinois quick hits: Prison workers demonstrate over working conditions

Prison workers demonstrate over working conditions ...

Suspicious donations to Democrats under scrutiny in new lawsuit

(The Center Square) – The leading Democratic party donation...

Biden forgives more student loan debt

President Joe Biden announced Thursday that his administration was...

Baldwin, Hovde set for 7 p.m. Friday Senate debate in Madison

(The Center Square) – Friday will mark the first...

Panel blasts Secret Service failures before Trump assassination attempt

(The Center Square) – An independent review panel called...

Calcasieu River Bridge in design phase, construction to begin in 2026

(The Center Square) – Louisiana's District 7 in the...

Jury selection for Madigan trial pushes into next week

(The Center Square) – Jury selection is not complete...

More like this
Related

Illinois quick hits: Prison workers demonstrate over working conditions

Prison workers demonstrate over working conditions ...

Suspicious donations to Democrats under scrutiny in new lawsuit

(The Center Square) – The leading Democratic party donation...

Biden forgives more student loan debt

President Joe Biden announced Thursday that his administration was...

Baldwin, Hovde set for 7 p.m. Friday Senate debate in Madison

(The Center Square) – Friday will mark the first...