Sen. Barnes files bill to reform hazing laws in North Carolina Senate

A new bill filed by State Sen. Barnes seeks to reform hazing laws by defining offenses more clearly and mandating educational institutions to prevent and address hazing incidents, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 375 on March 20 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Harrison’s Law.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to reform hazing laws in North Carolina by revising the criminal offense of hazing and mandating educational institutions to develop anti-hazing policies and procedures. It repeals the existing statute on hazing, replacing it with a detailed definition that includes acts forcing minors or students into dangerous or degrading activities for membership in organizations. It introduces penalties for personal and organizational hazing offenses, with fines up to $15,000 and potential felony charges. Additionally, the bill requires schools and higher education institutions to investigate hazing reports, develop plans to prevent hazing, and maintain transparency by publishing records of hazing violations. Institutions must report serious violations to law enforcement within 72 hours. The changes apply to offenses on or after Dec. 1, 2025, and educational measures commence in the 2025-26 school year.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Amy S. Galey proposed the most bills (30) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Barnes graduated from Peace College with an AA and again in 1988 from North Carolina State University with a BA.

Barnes, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 11th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Rick Horner.