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State lawmakers to discuss proposed hazing bill
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BATON ROUGE (AP) - Louisiana would strengthen criminal penalties for hazing, if lawmakers agree to a bill heading to the state House at the urging of the parents of a college freshman who died after a hazing ritual.
Republican Rep. Nancy Landry's proposal passed the House criminal justice committee Wednesday without objection.
The measure makes hazing that kills someone a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. State law currently treats hazing as a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to 30 days in jail.
Parents of 18-year-old Louisiana State University freshman Maxwell Gruver testified for the bill, saying it'll prevent hazing deaths.
Gruver died in September with a blood-alcohol limit six times higher than the legal limit for driving. Four people have been charged.
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