Hazing--consent not a defense--penalties.

578.365. 1. A person commits the crime of hazing if he knowinglyparticipates in or causes hazing, as it is defined in section 578.360.

2. Hazing is a class A misdemeanor, unless the act creates asubstantial risk to the life of the student or prospective member, in whichcase it is a class C felony.

3. Nothing in sections 578.360 to 578.365 shall be interpreted ascreating a new private cause of action against any educational institution.

4. Consent is not a defense to hazing. Section 565.080, RSMo, doesnot apply to hazing cases or to homicide cases arising out of hazingactivity.

(L. 1987 H.B. 126 § 3, A.L. 1995 H.B. 160)