Anti-hazing law named for Penn State pledge signed by Gov. Wolf

HARRISBURG — The death of a Penn State student after a night of drinking in a fraternity house is bringing a new anti-hazing law to Pennsylvania.

Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday signed legislation that imposes stricter criminal penalties and permits courts to order confiscation of frat houses where hazing has occurred.

The parents and brother of 19-year-old Tim Piazza of Lebanon, New Jersey, attended the bill signing in the state Capitol.

Piazza died from severe head and abdominal injuries after suffering a series of falls inside the Beta Theta Pi house early last year.

The law requires schools to maintain policies to combat hazing and report incidents. Hazing results in severe injury or death is classified as a felony under the new law.

It goes into effect in a month.