ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
department of
revenue; technical correction
(NOW: hazing)
Requires all public educational institutions to adopt, post and enforce hazing prevention policies.
Hazing incidents have been documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of groups and organizations, including men’s and women’s clubs and among student groups in middle and high schools as well as in higher education institutions.
Currently, 42 states have anti-hazing laws. Arizona and seven other states do not have state laws prohibiting hazing. Other state statutes describe hazing as a situation that causes a victim to experience mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule for reasons including initiation, pre-initiation and discrimination. H.B. 2476 requires that all public educational institutions in Arizona adopt a hazing prevention policy.
There is no discernable fiscal impact to the state general fund associated with this bill.
1. Requires every public educational institution to adopt, post, and enforce a hazing prevention policy.
2. Requires every public educational institution to print the hazing prevention policy in all student handbooks for distribution to students and parents.
3. Specifies requirements for each hazing prevention policy and stipulates the inclusion of the specified hazing definition.
4. Specifies violations of hazing policies do not include customary school-sponsored athletic events, contests or competitions, and activities or conduct that furthers the goals of an educational curriculum, extracurricular program, or military training program.
5. Defines “educational institution” as any K-12 school, community college, vocational program, or any college or university.
6. Defines “hazing” as any intentional or reckless act by a student upon a student in connection with membership in any organization, and as contributing to specified physical or mental risks or personal degradation.
7. Defines “organization” as any group affiliated with an educational institution and as composed primarily by students enrolled at the institution.
8. Defines “student” as any person enrolled, promoted or accepted for enrollment, or intends to enroll or be promoted at an educational institution within the next 12 calendar months.
9. Establishes a statement of legislative intent to provide students with a safe, orderly, civil, and positive learning environment where hazing activities are not permissible and are not tolerated.
10. Contains technical changes.
11. Provides for a general effective date.
Amendments
Adopted in Committee of the Whole
1. Requires every public educational institution to print the hazing prevention policy in all student handbooks for distribution to students and parents.
2. Adds that every hazing prevention policy include the specified hazing definition.
3. Makes technical changes.
House Action Senate Action
WM 3/6/01 DPA/SE 10-0-0-0-0 ED 3/29/01 DP 6-1-1-0
3rd read 3/21/01 36-20-4-0 3rd Read 4/11/01 27-3-0-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
April 12, 2001