The Prince George Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss significant changes to hiring practices for county police and fire EMS departments regarding applicants' marijuana use. The proposed legislation, known as CB 16 20 25, aims to prevent the denial of certification or selection based solely on a positive pre-employment screening for cannabis.

During the meeting, committee members reviewed the bill, which was previously held for further consideration. The primary focus was on modifying existing regulations to allow applicants who disclose prior legal marijuana use to remain eligible for public safety positions without immediate disqualification. This change is intended to foster a more trusting environment for applicants, potentially leading to cost savings by reducing the number of drug screenings.

Mr. Regas, a committee member, noted that the enactment of the bill should not have a direct fiscal impact on the county, as it modifies existing legislation without requiring additional resources. He highlighted that fewer drug screenings could result in cost savings and a favorable indirect impact by increasing the number of applicants willing to disclose their cannabis use.

However, concerns were raised by representatives from the police and fire departments. Captain Paul Schweinsberg of the police department explained that current regulations from the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) dictate that applicants who have used marijuana within the past 12 months are ineligible for certification. This creates a challenge for the proposed changes, as applicants would still face a postponement in their eligibility rather than a permanent disqualification.

The committee acknowledged these concerns and indicated that further discussions would be necessary to address the implications of the proposed changes on the hiring process for law enforcement and fire services. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the bill to ensure it meets the needs of both applicants and the agencies involved.