BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 8
By: Janek, Seliger
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Steroid abuse is a rapidly growing problem in high schools. Across Texas and the nation, young people are abusing steroids to become better athletes, but they may have no idea how this substance can harm their bodies and minds. There have been reports of suicide, sudden cardiac arrest, and other harmful events caused by the use of illegal steroids. Students must be educated about the dangers of illegal steroid use.
S.B. 8 requires anyone who participates in high school athletics sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to agree not to use illegal steroids and submit to random testing if selected. This bill also requires all athletic coaches from grades seven through 12 to complete an educational program regarding the health effects of steroid abuse. Annually, the testing program will test approximately three percent of the approximately 740,000 students who participate in UIL athletics. S.B. 8 requires UIL to adopt rules for administration of the tests as well as sanctions for those who fail the test.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the University Interscholastic League in SECTION 2 (Section 33.091, Education Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the University Interscholastic League is modified in SECTION 2 (Section 33.091, Education Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 33.091, Education Code, to read as follows:
Sec. 33.091. PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL STEROID USE; RANDOM TESTING.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 33.091, Education Code, by amending Subsections (b) and (h) and adding Subsections (c-1), (d), (e), and (f), as follows:
(b) Requires the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to adopt rules to prohibit a student from participating in an athletic competition sponsored or sanctioned by UIL unless the student agrees not to use steroids, the student submits to random testing for the presence of illegal steroids if the student is enrolled in high school, and UIL obtains a signed statement from the parent acknowledging certain information.
(c-1) Requires a school district to require that each athletic coach employed in the district at or above the seventh grade level for an extracurricular athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by UIL to complete certain educational programs relating to steroid use.
(d) Requires UIL to adopt rules for the annual administration of a steroid testing program of certain high school students. Sets forth certain elements required to be included in the steroid testing program.
(e) Provides that the results of a steroid test conducted under Subsection (d) are confidential and, unless required by court order, are authorized to be disclosed only to the student and the student's parent and the activity directors, principal, and assistant principals of the school attended by the student.
(f) Requires the Texas Education Agency to pay the costs of the steroid testing program established under Subsection (d) from funds already appropriated.
(h) Provides that Subsection(b)(1) does not apply to the use by a student of a steroid that is dispensed, prescribed, delivered, and administered by a medical practitioner for a valid medical purpose and in the course of professional practice and that a student is not subject to a period of ineligibility under Subsection (d)(6) on the basis of that steroid use.
SECTION 3. Requires UIL to conduct a study of potential mechanisms for future funding of the steroid testing program required by Section 33.091, Education Code, as amended by this Act. Requires UIL, not later than December 1, 2008, to submit a report of its findings and recommendations for future funding of the program to the legislature.
SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2007-2008 school year.
SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.