The House Criminal Justice passed the Max Gruver Act without objection today which will make hazing a felony crime in Louisiana. Gruver died following an alleged hazing incident one month into his first semester at LSU, with a blood alcohol content of .495. The legal limit is .08.
Parents Rae Ann and Steven Gruver both tearfully laid out their son’s final hours before the committee. Rae Ann, emphasized how this death has affected her family.
Steven Gruver talked about meeting with other parents of kids who have perished from hazing.
Gruver, and other pledges were allegedly coerced into drinking a 190 proof alcohol.
Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23rd annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Health advocates are calling on elected officials to implement proven strategies that help bring a young generation tobacco-free. Director of Youth Advocacy Gustavo Torres says the best plan to stop anyone from smoking is just don’t start.
The national youth smoking rate is a record low 8-percent. In Louisiana, i’ts up to 12-percent.
A site has been selected for the residents of Isle de Jean Charles to relocate. They currently live on a tiny, sinking island along the state’s coast. In response, HUD awarded the community a 48.3 million dollar resettlement package. Louisiana Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says most of the 80 residents are ready to leave.