(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – July 6, 2021 —Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed Senate Bill 126 into law, also known as Collin’s Law. Collin’s Law is Ohio’s Anti Hazing Act, enacting a number of changes intended to end hazing and any cultural issues that allow hazing to persist.
“Simply put – we cannot tolerate hazing,” said Governor DeWine in his remarks before signing the bill. “I believe Collin’s Law will help change the culture surrounding hazing and save lives.”
Collin’s Law makes a number of changes, including but not limited to:
- Expands the definition of hazing and specifies that hazing may include “coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse.”
- Increases the penalty for hazing to a 2nd degree misdemeanor.
- Expands the list of officials required to report hazing.
- Widens the scope of those who can be punished for participating in or permitting hazing. (A violation that results in serious harm is a 3rd degree felony.)
- Requires that those aware of hazing report it to authorities, with penalties up to a 1st degree misdemeanor for failing to do so.
- Requires the Ohio Department of Higher Education to implement a statewide anti-hazing plan.
- Requires staff and volunteers at colleges and universities to undergo training on hazing awareness and prevention.
Governor DeWine was joined at the bill signing by the parents and family of both Collin Wiant, for whom the bill is named, and Stone Foltz. Wiant and Foltz both died as the result of hazing at separate incidents at Ohio universities.
Collin’s Law will be effective in 90 days.