The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that is now known as the “Max Gruver Act.” It makes hazing a felony crime in Louisiana, which would mean an increase in fines and jail time. Gruver’s parents came in from Roswell, Georgia, to testify in favor of the legislation. Here’s Rae Ann Gruver…
cut 3 (16) “…fly high Max”
Maxwell Gruver died in a suspected hazing incident on LSU’s campus last September. His blood alcohol level was .495.

Legislation is heading to the Senate Floor that seeks to change Louisiana’s constitution when it comes to how many jurors are needed to find a person guility of a felony crime. Current law says 10 of 12 jurors are needed for a guility verdit, but the proposed consitutional amendment seeks to change it to unanimous.

It’s a somber atmosphere outside of the Notre Dame Seminary, where a two-day public visitiation for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is underway. Benson was a devout Catholic, and talked often with Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond. Aymond says Benson was a man of Christian values….
cut 11 (09) “….since 1991”
Benson’s funeral is set for Friday.

Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23rd annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Anti-tobacco advocate Carlos Vela says the tobacco companies are working hard to trying to get youngsters addicted to a deadly habit…
Cut 7 (07) “every hour.”
The national youth smoking rate is a record low of 8-percent, but in Louisiana that rate is 12-percent.