In a historic moment for hazing victims, the Missouri Senate and Missouri House of Representatives have now both passed Danny’s Law, legislation that was patterned after Andrew’s Law in Florida. David Bianchi from our firm played a major role in getting Andrew’s Law passed following the hazing death of Andrew Coffey at FSU and testified before the Missouri Senate in support of this legislation. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for signature.
Danny's Law is named in honor of former University of Missouri student Daniel Santulli, who suffered catastrophic, irreversible brain damage during a fraternity hazing ritual that forced him to consume a full bottle of alcohol. As a result, Danny is permanently blind, can no longer walk or talk, and will never be able to take care of himself.
The Santulli family has worked tirelessly since that night to ensure no other family has to endure the same heartbreak. Attorney David Bianchi, who represented the Santulli family in their civil case against the fraternity and its officers, has been closely involved in the drafting and advocacy of the bill.
"Danny’s injuries were the worst fraternity hazing injuries in the history of the United States," Bianchi told NBC 8 KOMU.
Lifesaving Provisions to Help Hazing Victims
Danny's Law makes hazing a crime for those who knowingly participate in acts that endanger students in private or public colleges and universities. Crucially, the law also provides Good Samaritan immunity to the first person who calls 911 to help the hazing victim and remains to provide rescue personnel with the information they need to assist the victim. They will not be prosecuted under Missouri’s hazing statute.
“There are multiple reasons why the Governor should sign this legislation into law,” Bianchi said. "Number one, it will absolutely save lives if it becomes law. Number two, it's bipartisan...it's very difficult to be against it because it's the right thing to do to save lives. And number three, it has no budgetary impact. So, there's no reason not to support this."
The bill passed the Senate earlier this year and now awaits Governor Mike Kehoe's signature. Because the bill includes multiple provisions—including anti-discrimination protections for natural hairstyles and student association rights—the governor must sign or veto it in full within the next 15 days.
For our firm and the Santulli family, this bill is more than legislation. It's a legacy. It represents a public commitment to prevention, accountability, and the protection of hazing victims in the future.
"The Santullis have been following this daily, and they are deeply touched by the fact that it is going to be named after their son," Bianchi said.
We urge the governor to sign this bill into law. It will save lives, send a message, and help end the culture of silence that has allowed hazing to persist for far too long.