HB 1453 Summary

• Defines "hazing" as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts committed against students in connection with initiation into or membership in school-affiliated groups that cause or risk physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation.

• Requires school corporations and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt disciplinary rules that prohibit hazing, its solicitation, and aiding and abetting of hazing, with victim consent being no defense.

• Mandates schools include procedures for reporting hazing violations, investigating reports, circumstances for law enforcement notification, and appropriate disciplinary penalties in their anti-hazing policies.

• Requires approved postsecondary educational institutions to establish anti-hazing policies by January 1, 2014, with the same prohibitions, reporting procedures, and investigation requirements as K-12 schools.

• Exempts customary athletic events and competitions, as well as activities furthering legitimate school curriculum, activities, or military training programs from hazing prohibitions.