A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to make changes in the law prohibiting hazing.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 14‑35 reads as rewritten:
"§ 14‑35.  Hazing; definition and punishment.
It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this section hazing is defined as follows: "to cause, require, or permit a person, incident to initiation into or membership in a society, club, athletic team, or similar organized group, to participate in any activity that subjects or is likely to subject that person or others to risks of physical injury, mental distress, or personal indignities."  Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor."
SECTION 2.  G.S. 14‑36 reads as rewritten:
"§ 14‑36.  Disciplinary action.
Upon conviction of any student of the offense of hazing, or of aiding or abetting in the commission of this offense, the university, college, or school shall initiate appropriate disciplinary procedures and shall impose punishment commensurate with the offense."
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2003, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.