FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear (D) signed two important pieces of legislation at the state Capitol aimed at hazing and driving under the influence laws. The bereaved families of Thomas “Lofton” Hazelwood and Lily Fairfield joined the governor in a signing ceremony for the two bills named in their honor.
“These families have experienced the unimaginable, and today we not only stand with them to lift up their beautiful children—children of God who were taken far too soon—we stand with them in making changes that can help save other Kentuckians,” Beshear said.
Senate Bill 9, also called “Lofton’s law” named after Thomas “Lofton” Hazelwood aims to strengthen anti-hazing laws in the state by elevating hazing that causes physical harm or death to a Class D felony. If convicted of a Class D felony, a person can spend not less than one and no more than five years in prison. With the governor’s signing, hazing that does not cause physical harm will be increased to a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail.
Hazelwood was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Kentucky who died because of hazing. His parents, Tracey and Kirk Hazelwood, have fought for legislation to increase hazing penalties since his Oct. 2021 death.
“We just want to thank everybody that has helped us through this journey,” said Tracey Hazelwood. “It’s a phone call no one should have to get, and we hope this never happens to anyone ever again. This is not going to bring my baby back, but it will save other lives and that is all we can hope for — the safety of other students.”
Beshear said signing the bill was “the right thing to do,” and a way to honor Lofton’s legacy. The governor also noted the Lofton Hazelwood Foundation, which is providing scholarships for an agriculture major or for a student to attend a trade school. “This scholarship is for Henderson County residents, and the deadline to apply for this year is May 1. That is pretty special,” Beshear said.
The governor also signed House Bill 262, or “Lily’s Law.” It mandates that a person is guilty of vehicular homicide when they cause the death of another if they are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The law makes vehicular homicide a Class B felony, punishable by not less than 10 years and only 20 in prison.
It also requires anyone arrested under the influence to be held for at least six hours after their arrest. The requirements for a breathalyzer test will also be strengthened.
That law is named for Lily Fairfield, a 16-year-old from Oldham County who died in 2021 after a driver under the influence crashed into the car her sister, Zoe, was driving on their way to school. Just three days before the crash, the driver was arrested and released on a prior DUI charge.
Zoe, Lily’s sister, who was injured in the crash, said, “A preventable tragedy stole my little sister’s bright life and a piece of our hearts. There is no bill that lawmakers could pass that would bring Lily back into our lives, but today we are taking a huge step forward in preventing future Kentucky families from receiving the same heartbreaking call we did.”
The girls’ father, Mark Fairfield, said, “Thank you to the Governor and to our representatives for taking this first step to help make our state proactive in solving problems versus waiting for them to happen.”
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, also praised the bill’s signing, saying, “Lily’s death was a senseless tragedy that no family should have to endure. HB 262 is the direct result of her family’s efforts to honor her life by preventing the same thing from happening to others. It will ensure those arrested for driving under the influence are detained and toughen the penalties for vehicular homicide. I appreciate Rep. (Patrick) Flannery (R-Olive Hill) for his efforts to carry the measure, as well as the Governor for signing it into law.”