DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — The Texas Senate has given initial approval to a bill that would allow the University Interscholastic League to ban all athletes taken steroids.
Performance enhancers are already considered illegal under UIL rules, but there’s a safe harbor clause that allows students to take them for medical reasons while still participating in state competitions.
The clause was brought to the forefront this winter when a girl from Euless who was taking steroids to transition to a boy was allowed to wrestle against girls.
Senate Bill 2095 would allow the UIL to disqualify athletes like Euless Trinity’s Mack Beggs, while also requiring them to hand over medical records.
Opponents of the bill say it discriminates against transgender athletes like Beggs. Supporters say it’s not about who is competing, but rather what they are putting into their bodies.
The Senate must still pass a formal vote before sending the bill to the House. It passed 24-7 in a preliminary hearing, with four Democrats voting in favor of it.
