Crimes and punishments; modifying provisions and penalties related to hazing. Effective date.

SB 944 amends Oklahoma's hazing laws to strengthen protections for students at public and private schools and colleges. It defines hazing to include both physical harm (like forced activities or exposure) and mental harm (like extreme stress), making it illegal for student organizations to engage in such activities. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges (up to $5,000 fines or 90 days in jail) or felony charges (up to 10 years in prison) if serious injury or death occurs, with civil penalties ($15,000 per violation) deposited into an Anti-Hazing Revolving Fund. The bill also prohibits defenses like "consent" or "tradition," protects whistleblowers who report hazing in good faith, and requires schools to develop hazing prevention programs.