House Bill No. 489, known as "The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act," seeks to enhance hazing regulations at public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. The bill introduces comprehensive definitions of hazing, outlining prohibited behaviors such as physical brutality and activities that pose unreasonable risks. It mandates educational initiatives, requiring institutions to inform students about hazing dangers during orientation and annually thereafter. Additionally, the bill necessitates the development of hazing prevention policies, resources for victims, and new reporting requirements for organizations involved in hazing incidents, including the obligation to report disciplinary actions to law enforcement and affiliated institutions.

The legislation also establishes a framework for accountability, mandating that institutions maintain a publicly accessible website detailing hazing incidents and disciplinary actions while protecting individual privacy. It requires the Board of Regents to collaborate with postsecondary management boards to create a comprehensive hazing prevention policy, which includes provisions for online reporting and amnesty for good faith reporters. The bill imposes penalties for noncompliance, such as a two-year prohibition on incurring debt for institutions that do not adhere to the regulations, and sanctions for organizations involved in hazing incidents, including potential permanent banishment in severe cases. Overall, the bill aims to create uniform policies and best practices for hazing prevention and reporting in Louisiana's educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
HB636 Original:
HB636 Engrossed: