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RI H8062

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2026

Primary Sponsor

Matthew Dawson

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands hazing definition to include conduct related to initiation, affiliation, or maintenance of membership in student organizations, and adds tattooing to the list of prohibited acts

  • Increases penalty for school officials who knowingly permit hazing or negligently fail to prevent it from $10-$100 to up to $1,000, with possible imprisonment up to one year

  • Creates new felony offense for hazing causing serious bodily injury, punishable by 1-10 years imprisonment

  • Eliminates consent as a defense, stating that implied or express consent by the hazing victim cannot be used in legal proceedings

  • Establishes immunity from prosecution for individuals who seek medical assistance in good faith for someone experiencing harm from hazing

Legislative Description

Enlarges definitions of prohibited acts that constitute hazing, make principals, coaches, athletic directors and others responsible for knowingly failing to take reasonable measures to prevent hazing and punishes serious injury.

Criminal Offenses

Last Action

Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

2/27/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available