Hazing deaths: Colleges, others could face civil penalties under bill that clears legislative hurdle

The first piece of anti-hazing legislation after last fall's death of an LSU fraternity pledge passed its initial hurdle Tuesday in the Louisiana Legislature.

Under Senate Bill 91, anyone found responsible for a hazing-related death could face additional legal damages in civil court. Defendants could include the perpetrators, as well as universities and national chapters of organizations that don’t have clear anti-hazing policies.

Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge, sponsor of the bill, said his goal is to deter behavior that leads to hazing deaths. The criminal policy in place hasn’t changed any conduct, he argued.

“I want there never to be another instance of a kid to die in a hazing accident." Claitor said. "My hope is that we never have to pay a dollar under this statute.”

Read more: http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_685b887e-2c5b-11e8-945e-73fd6446582a.html