SB18-089: Elements of the Crime of Hazing

• Expands hazing definition to include emotional and psychological harm in addition to physical harm.

• Extends hazing law to cover actions by adults in any organization on public or private property, not limited to student organizations.

• Adds specific examples of hazing including forced physical activity, consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, forced social exclusion, extreme embarrassment, and activities affecting mental health or dignity.

• Creates affirmative defense allowing a person charged with hazing to prove by preponderance of evidence that they were also a hazing victim who was forced or coerced into the hazing activity.

• Establishes violation of hazing statute as a class 3 misdemeanor.