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The Executive Order

On January 19, 2021, the City of Atlanta issued an Executive Order that suspended “pre-employment physical examinations and drug screening requirements for prospective City employees in non-safety sensitive positions.” It was signed by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. One important goal was to address “systemic discrimination against communities of color which are disproportionately affected by underlying health conditions.”

This update is only for jobs that are not deemed safety sensitive. The Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources may still establish drug testing policies for certain positions.

Mayor Bottoms spoke about the Order and explained she believes it will help create more hiring opportunities for the city. She said: “The current pre-employment testing requirements for those seeking jobs, not related to safety and security, are outdated and costly barriers to onboarding new talent in the City of Atlanta. As we continue to reform our employment process, creating a positive employee experience is key to attracting and maintaining a top-tier workforce, while ensuring opportunities are accessible to all.”

Read the Executive Order.

The Legalization Of Marijuana

Atlanta is one of many places that are reviewing and revising marijuana policies. Several states have legalized medical and/or recreational cannabis usage. These bills do not require employers to permit workers to use marijuana while on the job. In most cases, businesses may still screen applicants and employees for THC. However, the results of a drug test cannot show when a person used marijuana or if they are currently inebriated.

Marijuana can remain in a person’s system for weeks. Therefore, if a test returns positive, it is not possible to determine when the person imbibed a cannabis product.

What Atlanta City Employers Should Know

Government agencies in Atlanta should be aware of this Executive Order. They may need to update hiring policies to specify that people who apply for non-safety sensitive positions will not undergo a drug screen or pre-employment physical.

Job seekers who would perform duties that are considered safety-sensitive, such as driving or operating heavy equipment, may still be asked to authorize and complete these tests.

Background Screening

Background checks are commonly used to see if an otherwise qualified individual has serious criminal convictions that indicate they might pose an undue risk to the employer, staff or public. They can also verify a candidate has the necessary employment and education history, licenses or credentials. These reports help organizations make informed decisions and create safe workplaces.

If your business is hiring, promoting or considering contractors, please contact us. Our experienced team can help you customize background check packages for any position. When applicable, they can include 5, 10 or 14 panel drug tests.

We make efforts to keep up with laws that affect our clients wherever they operate. You can reach us via email, phone or instant message Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.