Expansion of anti-hazing law begins in July
Law adds definition of anti-hazing laws to include grades 7 through 12
Legislation approved in the state Legislature expanding the definition of anti-hazing laws to include grades 7-12 is scheduled to go into effect next month, amending the law so it would apply to more schools than just colleges.
The legislation answers a call made by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan to increase the reach of hazing laws after he announced charges against three Conestoga High School football players after they allegedly sodomized a freshman player with a broomstick.
“We’re calling on that omission to be fixed immediately,” Hogan said at the March 4 news conference.
Since the legislation did not cover high schools, the charges levied against the football players did not include hazing despite the incident described as being hazing in nature by authorities.
House Bill 1574, also known as called Act 31 of 2016, was introduced by state Rep. Ron Marsico, R-105th Dist., of Dauphin County. Both the House and Senate signed the bill on May 17, and Gov. Tom Wolf approved the bill a week later on May 24.
State Sen. Andrew “Andy” E. Dinniman, D19th Dist., added text to the bill requiring high schools to provide a written copy of the school’s anti-hazing policy to the coaching staff. This text made it into the law.
“I’m happy we got the bill passed,” Dinniman said. “This has been an issue across the commonwealth.”
The Pennsylvania state senators unanimously voted in favor of the legislation.
The bill also received strong support in theHouse and passed in a 180-15 vote.
All state representatives who represent parts of Chester County voted in favor of the bill except state Rep. Stephen Barrar, R160thDist., ofUpper Chichester. An attempt to reach Barrar for comment was unsuccessful.
The billwill go into effect on July 25.