Legislation to prevent hazing has passed the Legislature and is heading to the governor’s desk for signature. House Bill 1002, the Sam Martinez Stop Hazing Act, reclassifies hazing from a simple misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor. In cases resulting in substantial bodily harm, hazing is elevated to a Class C felony. The Sam Martinez Stop Hazing act, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, also allows students who experienced hazing to seek restraining orders as is the case for other serious crimes.