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Bill Would Ramp Up N.J. Student Athlete Testing For Performing-Enhancing Drugs

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A bill to ramp up drug testing among high school athletes in New Jersey has reached Gov. Chris Christie's desk.

As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported Saturday, New Jersey high school athletes are currently only tested for performing-enhancing drugs when they get into postseason championship tournaments.

"We want to test more student athletes than we do today," said state Sen. Richard Codey (D-Livingston).

Bill Would Ramp Up N.J. Student Athlete Testing For Performing-Enhancing Drugs

He emphasized that performance-enhancing drugs are not only dishonest, but also hazardous to health.

"It's cheating, and it damages the liver, heart and kidneys later in life," he said.

So Codey, who started a similar program while serving as governor in 2005, said teaching children's coaches and parents about the danger is just as important as testing.

"Wake up to reality, and tell your kids it's wrong, and don't even think of doing it," he said.

He said some parents have been caught helping their kids get steroids.

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