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GA SB378
Bill
Status
Engrossed
3/11/2022
Primary Sponsor
John Albers
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AI Summary
- Expands the definition of hazing to include minors (persons under 18) in addition to students, and broadens covered conduct to include forcing violations of law, dangerous physical activities such as sleep deprivation and confinement, and consumption of substances causing substantial risk of harm or severe emotional distress
- Establishes felony penalties for hazing involving force by persons 17 or older: 1–5 years imprisonment and/or up to $50,000 fine when serious bodily injury occurs, and 1–10 years imprisonment and/or up to $50,000 fine when death results; standard hazing remains a high and aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months and/or $5,000
- Requires persons who direct, encourage, participate in, or engage in prolonged observation of hazing resulting in injury to render reasonable assistance (e.g., calling 911), with failure to do so punishable as a high and aggravated misdemeanor
- Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions against the governing boards of local, local affiliate, or national school organizations whose employees, agents, or officials knowingly directed, permitted, or failed to report hazing
- Requires postsecondary educational institutions beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year to publicly report hazing violations on their websites, update reports before each semester, provide printed notice at student orientations, and maintain records for five years, while protecting individual student identities under FERPA
Legislative Description
Reckless Conduct; definition of hazing; expand
Last Action
House Second Readers
3/16/2022
Committee Referrals
Judiciary - Non-Civil3/15/2022
Judiciary1/27/2022
Full Bill Text
No bill text available