HOUSE OKS BILL ON STUDENT DRUG TESTING

SPRINGFIELD -- The specter of performance-enhancing steroids in Major
League Baseball reared its head Friday in the Illinois General Assembly.

In an 85-24 vote, the House approved legislation that would allow school
districts across Illinois to impose drug testing on students involved in
extracurricular activities.

"With the issue of illegal steroids in professional sports, I think we need
to send a message to our students that it's not allowable and it's not a
good idea," said state Rep. Roger Jenisch, a Bloomingdale Republican who
sponsored the legislation.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that it is permissible for
school districts to test students in extracurricular activities for drugs,
the state's school code is silent on the issue.

"This creates a public policy," said Jenisch.

An estimated 40 school districts out of more than 800 in the state
currently have drug-testing policies in place.

Among those opposing the measure was state Rep. Keith Sommer, R-Morton, who
said the scope of the proposal is too wide because it would apply to
students involved in non-athletic endeavors.

"This legislation would allow a school board to require drug tests for band
or German club or what have you. I just think it goes a little too far,"
said Sommer. "I think we should do anything we can to discourage drug use
among our youth, but I have some doubts about the legislation."

Other opponents raised questions about the constitutionality of the
measure, saying it could violate a student's constitutional rights.

Jenisch, however, pointed to a case involving a choir member from Oklahoma,
who sued in federal court after she was made to provide a urine specimen to
teachers despite there being no suspicion she was using drugs.

The Supreme Court narrowly upheld the school district's drug testing policy.

Jenisch also said the measure could put school districts in line for
federal funds to help offset the cost of drug testing.

And, he said, "It sends a message that we are out to continue our fight
against drugs in our schools and in our children's lives."

The legislation is House Bill 3554. It now heads to the Senate for further
debate.