An anti-hazing bill known as “Andrew’s Law” in honor of late FSU student Andrew Coffey has passed through the Florida House and Senate and is now heading to Governor DeSantis to be signed into law. Senate Bill 1080 sponsored by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) remedies deficiencies in Florida hazing statute to better protect students by ensuring consequences for hazing apply to those who authorize and direct the activities but do not personally participate (i.e. – Fraternity President) and by incentivizing bystanders to call for help without fear of repercussion by providing medical amnesty for the first person who seeks aid.
“Hazing is unacceptable, but no one should ever be afraid to call for help in a dangerous situation,” says Senator Book. “I want to thank the Coffey family for lending their voices to support this life-saving bill, crafted in Andrew’s honor.”
Since Coffey’s death from a hazing incident in 2017, Florida State University President John Thrasher has been committed to creating a “new normal” for Greek life, including advocacy for this good bill.
“The Florida State University family is grateful for the passage of this important bill to strengthen penalties against hazing, and to provide an incentive to call for medical help,” says President Thrasher. “We know Andrew’s Law will save lives.”
