Lawyers want 11 fraternity members on trial

BELLEFONTE, Pa. — Prosecutors on Friday launched their second bid to force 11 Pennsylvania State University fraternity members to stand trial for the 2017 booze-fueled death of sophomore pledge Tim Piazza, as a top state lawmaker unveiled a proposal to punish hazing with tough jail terms.

“We are here to make sure this never happens again,” said Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, announcing details of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law at the foot of the Centre County Courthouse during a break in the proceedings. Among other things, the bill would upgrade hazing from a summary offense — typically punishable with a fine — to a misdemeanor or felony carrying penalties of up to seven years in prison.

Corman, a Centre County Republican, was joined at the conference by Piazza’s parents and Penn State President Eric Barron, whose staff helped craft the bill. The senator said he hopes to push it through the Senate next month.