(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 126 into law, also known as Collin's Law. Collin's Law is Ohio's Anti Hazing Act, enacting a number of changes intended to end hazing and any cultural issues that allow hazing to persist.
"Simply put - we cannot tolerate hazing," said Governor DeWine in his remarks before signing the bill. "I believe Collin's Law will help change the culture surrounding hazing and save lives."
Collin's Law makes a number of changes, including but not limited to:
- Expands the definition of hazing and specifies that hazing may include “coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse."
- Increases the penalty for hazing to a 2nd degree misdemeanor.
- Expands the list of officials required to report hazing.
- Widens the scope of those who can be punished for participating in or permitting hazing. (A violation that results in serious harm is a 3rd degree felony.)
- Requires that those aware of hazing report it to authorities, with penalties up to a 1st degree misdemeanor for failing to do so.
- Requires the Ohio Department of Higher Education to implement a statewide anti-hazing plan.
- Requires staff and volunteers at colleges and universities to undergo training on hazing awareness and prevention.
Collin's Law will be effective in 90 days.
Original source can be found here.
