Bermuda’s rules against performance enhancing drugs in sport will be tightened by laws expected to pass through the House of Assembly today.The Bermuda Sport Anti-Doping Authority (BSADA) will be formally set up through the Anti-Doping in Sport Act, which the official Opposition, the United Bermuda Party, says it supports.Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney has said the bill is essential for Bermudian sportsmen and women to continue competing internationally, by moving the Island in line with global standards.It allows BSADA to collect and test samples from athletes as part of a national anti-doping programme.This would include:l comprehensive anti-doping rules on illicit and performance-enhancing drugs;l an extensive public education programme on anti-doping;l an athlete-testing programme including protocols over testing.Anyone violating an anti-doping rule may be disqualified from competitions and events, become ineligible for funding or be suspended from future competitions.BSADA chairman Jon Beard said of the legislation yesterday: “It’s great because it actually puts BSADA into the driving seat as it becomes recognised by Government as the testing agency.”Mr Beard said Bermuda is believed to have “quite minimal” numbers of athletes using performance enhancing drugs, but the legislation is necessary to move into line with other countries.Shadow Sports Minister Charlie Swan warned the UBP had some technical questions over the bill, but said: “We support this legislation that allows people to perform sports in a drugs free manner.”Former Sports Minister Dale Butler said: “I support the legislation 100 percent having been drug tested twice as a member of the Bermuda Track and Field Association.“There is no way around this legislation and the Government has unwavering support around all of its clauses. I commend sporting bodies for trying their best to inform their members about the consequences.”The only other item in Parliament today, in what is thought to be a relatively short sitting, is Health Minister Zane DeSilva’s motion to approve the National Health Plan which was unveiled this week.The plan intends to provide all Bermuda residents with basic and essential health care by 2013, addressing long-standing concerns with escalating costs.Both Opposition parties have called for more details on the plan, with Bermuda Employers’ Council saying business owners are not in a position to carry any more health coverage contributions.