(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Shown is the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Jan. 5, 2021, at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. Six weeks after Pennsylvania state representatives elected a Democratic speaker and have not returned to session, the Republican leader on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 warned of chaos when they reconvene next week. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) A new law in Pennsylvania will require school coaches, staff and other mandated reporters to report suspected hazing in the same way that they are required to report other forms of suspected child abuse. 

This legislation passed unanimously in both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly on October 21st and it was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro the next day.

It will take effect on January 20th, 2027.

Pennsylvania lawmakers and leaders of Cheltenham School District gathered on Tuesday at Cheltenham High School to discuss that law and the circumstances which led to its passage.

According to lawmakers, the legislation was prompted by the alleged hazing of a Cheltenham High School football player and concerns that coaches failed to report what happened.