Legislation to make hazing a first-degree crime is headed to the full Senate. The legislation, termed “Lofton’s Law” won approval in the Judiciary Committee Thursday. Bill Sponsor Robby Mills told his colleagues the current wanton endangerment charge doesn’t adequately cover all acts of hazing.
“For far too long hazing has been this awkward rite of passage in Kentucky and other states that many still refuse to acknowledge as wrong. We believe the elevating the elevation of hazing to a crime addresses head-on,” said Mills.
Testifying in support of the bill was Tracey Hazelwood. Her son, 18-year-old Lofton Hazelwood died in October of 2021 following hazing activity at the University of Kentucky. His blood alcohol level was more than .3 percent. Hazelwood told lawmakers she wanted everybody to think about being three hours away and getting that phone call. She begged legislators to pass the bill because Hazelwood said, quote, we don’t anybody to go what we went through.
“Senate Bill Nine will send a message that Kentucky values student safety. And Senate Bill Nine will hold people accountable, especially those responsible for serious bodily harm or death as in Lofton’s case,” said Hazelwood.
Bill Sponsor Robby Mills said currently universities alone carry the burden of responsibility for hazing consequences and it’s limited to expulsion.
