What's happening
This bill expands the definition of hazing to explicitly prohibit physical contact or required physical activity during organization initiation ceremonies.
Why it matters
Gives clearer legal grounds for prosecution. By specifically including "making physical contact" and "requiring physical activity" in the definition of hazing, the bill reduces ambiguity, making it easier for prosecutors and schools to hold individuals and organizations accountable.
Targets common hazing practices. Many hazing incidents involve forced exercise, physical endurance tasks, or hitting—this bill directly addresses these by naming them, sending a strong signal that such behaviors are not tolerated.
Strengthens protections for students and organization members. Explicitly banning these forms of conduct can help deter dangerous initiation rituals, potentially reducing injuries and traumatic experiences for new members.
Clarifies expectations for organizations. Fraternities, sports teams, and other groups now have clearer guidelines about what is prohibited during initiations, making it easier to educate members and enforce anti-hazing policies.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Physical Hazing in Initiations
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A5200
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.1409
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Hazing Physical Contact
Signed by Governor · Sponsor David Weprin
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2755
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 17, 2017
Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to prohibiting physical contact or activity in any organization's initiating ceremony
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The first undesignated paragraph of section 120.16 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 86 of the laws of 1988, is amended to read as follows:
A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person's initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.
§ 2. The first undesignated paragraph of section 120.17 of the penal law, as added by chapter 86 of the laws of 1988, is amended to read as follows:
A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08082-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to prohibiting physical contact or activity in any organization's initiating ceremony
Purpose
To address the issues of hazing and reckless conduct that causes physical harm to students during the initiation or affiliation ceremonies of fraternities and other student organizations.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Amends 120.16 of the penal law, expanding rules regarding the prohibition against hazing to include a person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when in the course of another person's initiation into or affiliation with any organization when such person engages in intentionally or recklessly conduct. This includes engaging physical contact or requiring physical activity during the initiation or affiliation ceremonies, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.
Justification
On December 8, 2013, Chen "Michael" Deng, a 19 year old college student attending Baruch College, died as the result of a hazing ritual known as 'glass ceiling', in which he suffered a massive head injury after he was blindfolded and forced to lug a knapsack loaded with 20 pounds of sand as fraternity members repeatedly took him down.
Although New York State currently has several laws in place to prohibit hazing, these incidents have not decreased. During the initiation or affiliation ceremonies of fraternities, students continue to be placed in a situation in which their own safety is jeopardized.
This bill would prevent the deaths or serious injuries of students by prohibiting all physical conduct and physical activities required from the fraternities during the pledging ceremonies. Under this legislation, those who engage in the reckless activities of hazing would be guilty of hazing the first degree.
Hazing incidents occurring on and off New York State campuses are intolerable and preventable. If implemented, this legislation would provide the necessary safety measures to deter harmful behavior and help ensure that all of the students attending New York State institutions are protected from the substantial risks caused by hazing.
Legislative history
2015-16 S.1591/A.1892; 2014 S.6337A/A.8426A.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.