The Missouri Senate has passed a bill that would shield anyone from being found guilty of hazing if they take certain steps to save a hazing victim.
“I believe this will help protect college students in our state from hazing rituals but also encourage them to do the right thing in an emergency rather than abandoning someone in need for fear of punishment,” said Sen. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall.
Under Gregory’s bill, a person who calls 911 or campus security to ask for medical help, will not be found guilty of hazing. If they provide first aid to a hazing victim, they would be immune from prosecution for hazing. They also must remain at the scene until help arrives from emergency services, law enforcement, or security.
The bill is in response to Danny Santulli, a former University of Missouri fraternity pledge who can no longer walk, talk, or see because of a hazing incident. Danny had an excessive amount of vodka to drink on an October night in 2021.
Similar legislation was introduced last year but failed to cross the finish line.
Now that the Missouri Senate has approved the bill, the legislation will go to the other side of the state Capitol, where the House of Representatives could take similar steps.
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