A Senate bill that would make hazing a felony in Kentucky is also headed to the House.
Republican State Senator Robbie Mills introduced Senate Bill nine known as Loughlin's Law in response to the death of an 18 year old named Lofton Hazelwood.
Hazelwood, a freshman at the University of Kentucky, died in 2021 from excessive alcohol consumption while pledging a fraternity.
Loughlin's mother spoke before a Senate committee last week, urging lawmakers to pass the bill to keep other parents from experiencing the same kind of tragedy.
We don't want anybody to go through what we went through.
I want everybody to think about being 3 hours away and you get that phone call.
So just please consider it.
Speaking on the bill today, Senator Mills says it's currently up to universities and colleges to enact anti-hazing policies with the maximum penalty of expulsion.
He said Loughlin's law would elevate hazing to criminal standards and send a message.
For far too long, Mr. President, hazing has been this awkward rite of passage in Kentucky that many still refuse to acknowledge is wrong.
We believe the elevation of hazing to a crime addresses head on the seriousness of these actions.
It let students know that Kentucky values student safety and that violations of their safety will be addressed in Kentucky.
We do not believe that the warrant wanton endangerment charge in Kentucky law adequately covers all the acts of hazing.
And this is why merits a separate criminal status.
Loughlin's law now heads to the House for consideration there if signed into law.
Kentucky will join 14 other states that classify hazing as a felony.