Missouri could be the next state to adopt Florida’s groundbreaking anti-hazing legislation. David Bianchi was invited to speak to the Missouri Senate Judiciary Committee that is considering the bill. State Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Sherri Gallick are sponsoring the bill in the Senate and the House and are working hard to get it passed. The Missouri legislation is modeled after “Andrew’s Law” in Florida that was written by David Bianchi and Michael Levine from our firm and named in honor of Andrew Coffey whose family we represented following Andrew’s tragic death in a hazing incident at Florida State University.
Senator Gregory hopes the SB 167 bill will prevent tragedy and make college campuses safer. If it passes and becomes law, it will be named after Danny Santulli, who we represented in what was the worst fraternity hazing incident ever in the United States. Danny was hazed at the University of Missouri and remains unable to walk, talk, or see since that incident.
“They’re all afraid to call 911 because they think they’re going to get prosecuted under the state hazing statute if their name is identified with what is going on, even if they’re trying to be a good Samaritan by calling 911,” David told the Senate Judiciary Committee.
If passed, the bill would grant immunity from hazing prosecution to the first person who calls 911 when a hazing victim needs immediate help. It extends that immunity to whoever renders aid to the victim while help is on the way.
This is an exciting development for anti-hazing legislation. More states need to model hazing laws after “Andrew’s Law,” and lives will be saved if they do so. We keep pushing for this every day.