The Texas House and Senate have both approved bills that would make the state the first to require random testing of high-school student athletes for steroids, the Los Angeles Times reported April 29.

Differences remain between the House and Senate bills, but Gov. Rick Perry is expected to sign the measure into law once it reaches his desk. "Our hope is that this Texas legislation will be the first of a wave that will cross the other 49 states," said Don Hooton, a Plano parent who lobbied for the law after his teenage son committed suicide in 2003; Hooton blamed steroids for the depression suffered by his son, Taylor.

Three percent of all Texas athletes would be tested for steroids annually under the Senate bill. New Jersey, the only other state to require steroids testing, screens only high-school athletes who make the playoffs.

California, Illinois, Florida and New Mexico lawmakers also have considered steroid testing for young athletes, but have run up against cost and privacy concerns.

Federal studies indicate that about 2.7 percent of high-school seniors have used steroids; a Texas A&M study found that the statewide rate was less than 2 percent.

"I'm hoping we don't catch that many, but if we do, it will send a message: Don't take steroids, because there's a chance you're going to get caught," said Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. "Just passing this is going to be locker talk all over the state of Texas."