ANTI-HAZING ACT

SB 148, the Anti-Hazing Act, creates new criminal penalties for hazing and failure to report it at New Mexico schools. It defines hazing as intentional acts causing physical or psychological harm during student organization activities (like fraternities, sports teams, or clubs), with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to second-degree felonies for severe outcomes like death. The bill also allows victims to sue for damages and requires colleges to adopt hazing prevention programs, codes of conduct, and committees. These changes directly affect students, school staff, student organizations, and post-secondary institutions across New Mexico.