Rhode Island H7003: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS (Directs the state department of education to establish an anti-hazing policy in student athletics.)

What the bill says

An act of hazing is not a defense under this section; (4) Education and prevention components that incorporate the opportunity to connect with any emerging statewide efforts around school climate, anti-bullying, and anti-hate initiatives in Rhode Island schools; and (5) A requirement that each student-athlete subject to this policy shall, prior to attending any team practices, meetings, games, or other functions, sign an acknowledgement and recognition that a violation of the policy may result in the imposition of penalties and sanctions. This document may be a separate acknowledgement or comb.

From the introduced text, January 7, 2026:

an act of hazing is not a defense under this section; (4) Education and prevention components that incorporate the opportunity to connect with any emerging statewide efforts around school climate, anti-bullying, and anti-hate initiatives in Rhode Island schools; and (5) A requirement that each student-athlete subject to this policy shall, prior to attending any team practices, meetings, games, or other functions, sign an acknowledgement and recognition that a violation of the policy may result in the imposition of penalties and sanctions. This document may be a separate acknowledgement or combined with other documents student-athletes are required to sign as a condition of participation. (d) The department and the league shall use best practices to establish a comprehensive definition for hazing. By way of guidance, and not as a limitation, the definition of hazing should include as an element, the imposition or activity of humiliating, degrading, abusing, or endangering a person, often in the context of a group setting. (e) Every school and school district participating within the Rhode Island interscholastic league shall be subject to the provisions of this section and the anti-hazing policy. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. ======== LC003202 ======== LC003202 - Page 2 of EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF ANACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS *** This act …

Read the full official text