Utah State Legislators Making a Difference -

Michael Starks died after participating in an alcohol-related fraternity pledge ritual at Utah State University, when those around him gave false information to emergency personnel for fear of getting into trouble. In light of this and numerous similar tragedies across this country, Utah legislators have sought to register their indignation and outrage over this intolerable practice through enacting legislation strengthening current ambiguous state anti-hazing laws presently in place.

This has been done through the introduction and eventual enactment of several House bills clearing both the House of Representatives and State Senate and increasing the penalties for those convicted of hazing and seeking legal protection for those making life and death emergency calls to save a life. National studies have shown over and over again that the prompt and successful filing of charges, full prosecution, and strict sentencing of those directly involved in the planning and execution of fraternity hazing is virtually the best deterrent against a continuance of this devastating tradition.

The Starks Family thanks all those who have contributed to urging the passage of the Good Samaritan Law in Utah, in addition to House Bill 138, strengthening sentencing guidelines for those convicted of this carrying out this abhorrent tradition that takes so many lives every year across this country.

We continue to call on government prosecutors and members of the judiciary to have a thorough knowledge of their responsibilities and execute them not merely passably - but well. It will be only through the creative enactment of laws and the strong commitment of government officials that the safety of our children will be fostered.

While many have been visibly supportive of this endeavor - and we remain eternally grateful for this - the Starks Family especially thanks Representatives Carol Spackman Moss, Jackie Biskupski, and Christine Johnson, along with Senator Pat Jones, for their collective willingness to shepherd such legislation through the chambers.

This legislative session was a good start. The work goes on, the battle for tangible progress against complacency and indifference continues. We encourage your support in joining our ranks to make Utah’s 2011 legislative session even more productive in defining the worth of Utah’s most valuable asset – our children.