The bill establishes the crime of hazing in South Dakota, categorizing it as a Class 1 misdemeanor for general acts of hazing and a Class 6 felony if such acts result in serious bodily injury to another person. The legislation defines "hazing" as any activity that recklessly endangers the health or safety of another individual or causes extreme psychological distress or bodily injury, specifically in the context of initiation or affiliation with organizations associated with schools, colleges, or universities.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that consent from the victim is not a valid defense against prosecution for hazing. It also specifies that certain activities, such as reasonable interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic practices, competitions, or authorized law enforcement or military training, are excluded from the definition of hazing. This legal framework aims to address and penalize hazing practices while providing clear definitions and boundaries for enforcement.