HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Sens. Art Haywood and Lisa Baker are preparing bipartisan legislation that would add hazing to the state’s mandatory reporting requirements after a grand jury found that unclear duties contributed to the mishandling of an alleged abuse disclosure involving a Cheltenham High School student.
The proposal would formally designate hazing as a reportable offense and clarify the responsibilities of educators, coaches and other adults who work with minors.
Hazing is not currently defined as child abuse under Pennsylvania law, according to the lawmakers. They said that distinction can leave adults uncertain about whether or how to report suspected incidents in schools, athletic programs and youth organizations.
The forthcoming bill follows a Montgomery County grand jury report released in July 2026 detailing alleged hazing and abuse involving a Cheltenham High School student.
The report found that the absence of a clear reporting requirement contributed to the mishandling of a disclosure, leaving the student without protection and allowing broader alleged abuse to continue, according to the senators.
“With this legislation, we can close a dangerous loophole and better protect young people across Pennsylvania,” said Haywood, a Democrat representing portions of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. “No student should endure the violence or humiliation described in the grand jury report.”
Baker, a Republican representing Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties, said the Cheltenham case demonstrated the need for further changes to state law.
“Despite previous efforts to strengthen the law and add to its requirements, the notorious events at Cheltenham High School made additional reform mandatory,” Baker said.
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