Bill Text: HI SB596 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 596 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To Hazing.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-01-17 - Re-Referred to JDC. [SB596 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2018-SB596-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	596
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to hazing.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that hazing is a ritual conducted by school groups, sports teams, organizations, associations, and places of employment as a means to initiate new members into the "sacred circle" of the organization. In some cases, these rituals can be life threatening as members of the organization conduct physically and emotionally dangerous acts onto others who they wish to initiate or control. Many states have passed anti-hazing laws and many schools and universities have added no-tolerance policies against such practices. Knowing what hazing is, how to prevent hazing, and the consequences surrounding these acts is just the beginning to stopping these practices from occurring.

The legislature further finds that although many are banding together to prevent hazing activities from occurring at all levels of academia, including high school and college, hazing can occur in organizations and work places beyond educational institutions. According to StopHazing.org, forty-four states have anti-hazing laws in place. Hawaii is one of six states without an anti-hazing law. Hazing can cause emotional, academic, professional, and physical damage to the person targeted and propagate a culture of bullying and control over others. Hawaii should therefore take steps to protect students, athletes, and workers from hazing.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a state anti-hazing law.

SECTION 2. Chapter 711, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§711- Hazing in the first degree. (a) A person commits the offense of hazing in the first degree if the person, in the course of another person's initiation into or affiliation with any organization or place of employment, intentionally or knowingly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of and results in physical injury to the other person or a third person.

(b) Hazing in the first degree is a misdemeanor."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Hazing in the First Degree; Misdemeanor

Description:

Establishes hazing in the first degree as a misdemeanor.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.