HB 4253

Abstract

Creates the Higher Education Violation Reporting Act. Provides that each public and private institution of higher education shall maintain a report publicly reporting actual findings of violations by any student organization, athletic team, or living group of the institution's code of conduct or anti-hazing policy or State or federal laws relating to hazing or alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, or physical assault. Provides that an institution of higher education shall provide hazing prevention education to employees. Provides that if an employee or volunteer at an institution of higher education has reasonable cause to believe that hazing has occurred, the employee or volunteer shall report the incident. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In provisions concerning hazing, provides that a person commits hazing when he or she knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State for the purpose of induction or admission into or maintenance of membership in (instead of only for the purpose of induction or admission into) any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution if the act meets certain requirements; makes changes to the requirements. Provides that an act may be considered hazing regardless of whether the student or other person is willing to participate in the act. Effective July 1, 2024. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces the provisions of the bill concerning the offense of hazing. Changes the elements of hazing. Provides that a person commits hazing when he or she knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of the State for the purpose of conferring, gaining, or maintaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in (rather than induction or admission into) any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution, regardless of the student or other person's willingness to perform the act, if: (1) the act is neither sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution nor is a customary athletic event; and (2) the act either (i) subjects any person to a substantial risk of physical harm, mental harm, or degradation or (ii) causes any person to suffer physical harm, mental harm, or degradation (rather than results in bodily harm to any person).