WA Lawmakers Pass Anti-Hazing Bill

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Legislation to prevent hazing has passed the Washington Legislature and is heading to the governor’s desk for signature.

House Bill 1002, the Sam Martinez Stop Hazing Act, reclassifies hazing from a simple misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor. In cases resulting in substantial bodily harm, hazing is elevated to a Class C felony. The Sam Martinez Stop Hazing act, sponsored by University Place Democrat Representative Mari Leavitt, also allows students who experienced hazing to seek restraining orders as is the case for other serious crimes.

The bill is named after a Washington State University freshman who died of acute alcohol poisoning as the result of a 2019 hazing incident in Pullman.

The measure passed both chambers unanimously, signaling the bipartisan recognition of the need to act now. A signing date has not yet been set.

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