HB 1657-FN is a bill that aims to prohibit hazing at educational institutions. The bill defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed against a minor or student of an educational institution for the purpose of recruiting, joining, pledging, initiating, admitting, affiliating with, or continuing or enhancing status in an organization. The bill establishes reporting and education requirements for educational institutions, including the development of educational programs on hazing prevention and the reporting of hazing allegations to local authorities. It also requires educational institutions to maintain and publicly report annual findings of hazing violations by student organizations. The bill establishes the "anti-hazing fund" in the state treasury, which will be used to make grants to educational institutions for the establishment and administration of hazing education programs. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for hazing offenses, making it a misdemeanor to knowingly participate in hazing and a class B felony if serious bodily injury or death results. The bill provides protections for individuals who report hazing in good faith and take steps to prevent future hazing. The bill has been reviewed by various state agencies and organizations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12