BILL NUMBER: S5413
SPONSOR: LANZA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to random testing for
anabolic steroids in athletes in public and private schools; and making
an appropriation therefor
 
PURPOSE:
This bill provides for random testing for anabolic steroids in athletes
in public and private schools.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new article 20 to
Section 949 stating the Legislative intent. Section 950 defines "confir-
matory test, confirmatory retest, drug, drug testing, drug test, initial
screening test, positive test result, random selection basis, reasonable
suspicion, school authorities, and student athlete.
Section 951 relates to required drug testing. Section 952 relates to
schools authority policy contents. Section 953 relates to reliability
and fairness safeguards. Section 954 describes disciplinary actions.
Section 955 relates to privacy, confidentiality and privilege safe-
guards. Section 956 describes the required educational Programs.
Section 957 describes how the information will be reported.
Section 2. Section 3641 of the education law is amended by adding a new
subdivision 16.
Section 3. The sum of one million dollars, or so much thereof as may be
necessary, is hereby appropriated to the education department out of any
moneys in the state treasury in the general fund to the credit of the
local assistance account, not otherwise appropriated, and made imme-
diately available for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of
subdivision 16 of section 3541 of the education law.
Section 4. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day
after it shall have become a law; provided however, that any rules and
regulations necessary for the timely implementation of this act on its
effective date are authorized and directed to be promulgated on or
before such date; provided, further that section two and three of this
act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on
which it shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation, which is similar to a bill passed in the Texas Legis-
lature, will require athletes to agree not to use illegal steroids and
submit to random testing if selected. The latest survey from the Centers
for Disease Control states that at least 700,000 high school students
use steroids. Steroid use is a growing problem, posing serious health
threats to high school athletes. Educating youth about the harmful phys-
ical and emotional consequences of steroids is a step in the right
direction, but a further process must ensue. There needs to be a strong
deterrence from student athletes using these harmful drugs. For the
safety and well being of all students, especially student athletes,
random anabolic steroid testing procedures is an effective way to
encourage athletes to respect their bodies and maintain healthy, drug
free lives. Thirty percent of the public and private high schools in New
York State will be required to drug test their students, and at least
three percent of the students in each chosen school must undergo the
testing. An athlete under the influence of anabolic steroids has the
ability to cause serious injury to both themselves as well as others.
Local school districts and private schools have the responsibility of
doing what is necessary to protect student athletes and to provide a
level playing field of competition.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S.4096 - Referred to Finance
2023: S.4096 - Referred to Finance
2022: S.4907 - Referred to Finance
2021: S.4907 - Referred to Finance
2020: S.2617 - Referred to Finance
2019: 5.2617 - Referred to Finance
2018: S.6206 - Referred to Finance
2017: 5.6206 - Referred to Finance
2016: S.4659 - Referred to Finance
2015: S.4659 - Referred to Finance
2014: S.2470 - Referred to Finance/ A.5423 - Referred to Education
2012: S.6098 - Referred to Finance/ A.8930 - Referred to Education
2010: 5.619 - Referred to Education/ A.5871 - Referred to Education
2009: S.619 - Referred to Education/ A.S871 - Referred to Education
2008: S.6769 - Passed Senate / A.9839 - Referred to Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Provides for an appropriation of $1 million to implement provisions of
bill.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law; provided however, that any rules and regu-
lations necessary for the timely implementation of this act on its
effective date are authorized and directed to be promulgated on or
before such date; provided, further that section two and three of this
act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on
which it shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S5413: 3641 education law