[ad_1]
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – A Henderson household is pushing to criminalize hazing in Kentucky after the tragic dying of their son in October 2021. Lofton Hazelwood was a freshman on the College of Kentucky when alleged hazing claimed his life. Now the Hazelwood household, together with State Senator Robby Mills, are taking motion by way of a proposed anti-hazing legislation named of their son’s honor, which goals to make hazing a felony within the commonwealth.
“Hazing is uncontrolled all through this nation,” says Tracey Hazelwood, Lofton’s mom.
Hazelwood made her plea to the legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary to contemplate ‘Lofton’s Legislation’. Lofton Hazelwood, a Henderson native, died of alcohol poisoning by way of his fraternity’s pledge actions at UK.
“Typically pranks and stuff like that begin out as enjoyable, they usually cross the road,” explains State Senator Robby Mills. “We’ve seen that a number of instances with fraternity and sorority-type hazing, and we really feel prefer it’s time to attract a line within the state of Kentucky. That’s what we hope to do, that’s what the Hazelwood’s hope for as effectively.”
State Senator Mills of Henderson helps lead the push for Lofton’s Legislation, which might criminalize hazing within the state of Kentucky. If handed, it might make first diploma hazing leading to bodily hurt or dying a category D felony with as much as 5 years behind bars, and participation of reckless hazing a category A misdemeanor.
“We imagine that may make individuals again off and pay much more consideration to what they’re doing with our younger of us,” says Senator Mills.
Throughout her testimony, Hazelwood says, “Since Lofton’s dying, we’ve got heard so many horror tales from dad and mom whose youngsters really made it. No father or mother ought to ever need to go and expertise what we’ve got skilled with our son Lofton.”
Following the emotional testimony, momentum seems to be constructing for Lofton’s Legislation.
“There’s a number of help on the market for this and they’re desirous to be supportive of the Hazelwood’s,” says Senator Mills.
“We want Lofton’s Legislation in place as quickly as attainable,” says Hazelwood. “It’s not going to convey my son again, but it surely would possibly save anyone else’s son.”
Senator Mills says the help to this point for the legislation has been nice, and he expects the momentum to proceed into the primary of the 12 months. Senator Mills additionally believes the laws could have the bipartisan help to move as soon as the Kentucky legislative session begins on January 3, 2023.
Extra from Cody Bailey
Eyewitness Information. In every single place you’re.
[ad_2]
Source link
