Iowa Senate Passes Cannabidiol Bill with Employer Protections; Heads to Governor’s Desk

June 4, 2020

On Wednesday evening the Iowa Senate passed HF2589. The bill includes and expands employer protections related to the use of marijuana in the workplace. The bill passed with bipartisan support 32-17 after a contentious debate. The legislation was previously passed by the Iowa House on March 10 with a vote of 52-48. The bill makes it more clear and ensures employers may maintain a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace concerning marijuana. It also limits the liability of employers who dismiss someone for violating the zero-tolerance policy. This is an issue ABI has worked on for the last few years, and we’re very pleased the Legislature has passed this language. ABI would like to thank all ABI members who contacted their legislators about this important issue. We would also like to thank Sen. Waylon Brown, Sen. Dan Dawson, Rep. Jarad Klein and Sen. Brad Zaun for their instrumental leadership on this issue. At this time, Gov. Kim Reynolds has signaled she will sign the legislation.