New Hampshire Governor Steve Merrill signed into law a bill that makes hazing illegal on college campuses.
The bill had languished for months in the State Senate and House of Representatives before passing early this month.
An earlier version of the bill would have applied only to colleges and universities. That bill, backed by Dartmouth and the University of New Hampshire, was voted down by the legislature.
The new bill covers colleges, universities, fraternities and sororities and sports teams.
Any hazing that causes physical or psychological injury is illegal and punishable under the new law. Offenders will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor if they engage in a hazing activity which is "likely to cause physical injury or substantial emotional distress to any person."
The law will take effect July 1.
After the first bill was voted down, Assistant Dean of Residential Life Deb Reinders said she was worried that legislation would not be in place for next fall's pledge period. Most cases of hazing and physical harassment occur when Greek houses take new members.
Reinders, who helped draft the first version of the bill, said she had not read the version that passed.
Even though the College Handbook outlaws hazing, administrators said the state law will give them an additional legal basis for disciplining students found guilty of the offense.
Dean of Students Lee Pelton said the law would enable the College to broaden its own restrictions on hazing.
New Hampshire is the 37th state to pass anti-hazing laws.
