New OH Hazing Law Signed

Tougher criminal penalties for hazing will take effect in Ohio this fall, nearly three years after the death of the college student for whom the legislation is named. Gov., DeWine signed “Collin’s Law,”…for Collin Wiant, an 18-year-old Ohio University freshman who died in 2018 after ingesting nitrous oxide at a fraternity house. When it takes effect in October, hazing violations will be elevated to second-degree misdemeanors. Hazing, involving forced consumption of drugs or alcohol that seriously harms someone…would be a third-degree felony, punishable with possible prison time. The measure, which cleared the Legislature with bipartisan support, also requires college campuses provide anti-hazing training and online information about reported hazing violations. DeWine signed the bill, flanked by Wiant’s family…and the family of Bowling Green State University student, Stone Foltz, whose death in March…in another alleged fraternity hazing…contributed to passing the new law.