Workers' Compensation Cannabis Amendments
HB 281 amends Utah's workers' compensation law to address cannabis use by injured workers. It creates a presumption that reduces or denies compensation if an employee’s injury is linked to cannabis use, specifically when THC levels exceed 20 nanograms per milliliter of whole blood. Employees can challenge this presumption by providing evidence, such as proof of test inaccuracy, medical verification, or showing passive inhalation (if THC is below 20 ng/ml). The bill clarifies definitions of cannabis compounds (excluding CBD and others) and applies to workers’ compensation claims involving cannabis-related injury contributions. It does not appropriate funds or alter existing testing procedures beyond the new THC threshold.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 20, 2026
Last action Mar 7, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Mar 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
House/ comm rpt/ sent to Rules [House Rules Committee]
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Comm - Recommends Returned to Rules [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Comm - Not Considered [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
House/ to standing committee [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Introduced
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Walt Brooks
RRepublican
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