Bill > SB148

This bill establishes comprehensive legislation to address hazing in educational institutions, creating new criminal and civil penalties for hazing activities. The bill defines hazing as intentional acts committed during organizational initiations that create risks of physical or psychological harm, including activities like beating, sleep deprivation, forced consumption of substances, performing sexual acts, or threatening behavior. Criminal penalties range from misdemeanors to second-degree felonies, with severity increasing based on the level of harm caused, potentially resulting in felony charges if hazing leads to great physical harm or death. The legislation also requires post-secondary educational institutions to establish hazing prevention committees, develop anti-hazing educational programs, and include anti-hazing policies in student codes of conduct. Additionally, the bill creates a civil cause of action allowing victims to sue participants, student organizations, and institutional representatives who knew about or failed to prevent hazing. Individuals and organizations found responsible for hazing can face consequences like forfeiting scholarships, grants, or institutional recognition. The bill uniquely mandates that hazing prevention committees must include students and other stakeholders, with specific composition requirements to ensure diverse representation and exclude recent hazing violators from committee membership.

Education, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=148&year=25