Bill passed to require steroids tests for some high school athletes, By: Anna Scott

TALLAHASSEE -- Random tests for steroids will begin in July for high school athletes in weight lifting, baseball and football.

The House approved the bill Thursday and senators approved it Friday. Now it heads to Gov. Charlie Crist, who indicated he would sign it into law.

During debate, some senators said it didn't make sense to single out the three sports.

"One of the things we need to do is develop a full-blown program and put in the dollars actually needed," said Sen. Alfred Lawson, D-Tallahassee.

Sen. Tony Hill, D-Jacksonville, said high school athletes should get used to being tested for steroids because they'll have to face it in college.

"They might as well get ready for it," Hill said. "This is the wave of the future. It's coming and we need to get on board."

New Jersey and Texas have also approved random steroids testing for high school students.

An amendment that would have allowed private school teams to compete in a league separate from the Florida High School Athletic Association was not considered. But lawmakers said they wanted to come back to it next year.

Lawmakers contended that the FHSAA intimidates private schools unfairly.

"We have to let the Florida High School