Lawmakers Pass Steroids Testing For High Schools

Monday, May 28th 2007, 3:17 pm

By: News On 6

AUSTIN (AP) _ Texas public high school athletes will face mandatory random steroid testing under a bill given final approval Monday by the Legislature and sent to Gov. Rick Perry.

If Perry allows the bill to become law _ he has not publicly expressed any opposition _ the state could begin testing tens of thousands of students at the start of the coming football season. It would be the largest high school steroids testing program in the country.

``It will help secure healthy and safe lives for our young people,'' said Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, the House sponsor of the measure. ``Coaches, parents and fans are going to appreciate it.''

Steroid testing has been a major component of Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's campaign to protect children. Athletes who test positive, or refuse to be tested, could be suspended from play. Athletes in all sports, from football to wrestling to tennis, could be tested.