The Gruvers stood by Gov. John Bel Edwards’ side as he signed “The Max Gruver Act,” among other anti-hazing legislation, into Louisiana state law Thursday at the Capitol, using four pens for each member of the Gruver family there on Max’s behalf.

Nine months have passed since the death of LSU freshman pledge Max Gruver, who died in hazing ritual at the University’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity house.

Edwards said he expects Louisiana will be a “model state” with other states to follow in addressing hazing on a legislative level.

“Certainly, today does not mark the finish line,” Edwards said. “This is not ‘mission accomplished.’ This is a good start to what is going to be an ongoing process.”

Max’s father, Stephen Gruver, said he’s read countless pieces of anti-hazing legislation, and House Bill 78 is the best written piece that he’s seen. The Gruvers said they’re working with other states to establish anti-hazing laws.

“We believe it’s groundbreaking and precedent-setting for the rest of the country,” Stephen Gruver said. “These laws have components to them that just don’t exist anywhere else.”

Additionally, the Gruvers said they are working on more fundraisers to support educating people, as well as high schoolers, through their nonprofit, The Max Gruver Foundation.

They said they also hope to see the University do their part in enforcing the recently established policies the limit alcohol consumption at Greek Life events.

Max was only one month into his freshman year at LSU when he died on Sept. 14 from acute alcohol intoxication with aspiration. According to East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner William “Beau” Clark, Max’s alcohol level was .495 at his time of death.

Max’s parents attended a legislative hearing for HB 78 on March 18, where an amendment was proposed by Rep. Valarie Hodges, R-Denham Springs, to name the bill the “Max Gruver Act.”

Max’s parents testified in front of the committee alongside Rep. Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette, who sponsored and authored the bill.

Under the Max Gruver Act, people who take part in hazing activities that result in death when the victim’s blood alcohol level is at least .30 would face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Hazing events that do not lead to death would be subject to fines of up to $1,000 and six months in prison.

The act will also expand the list of educational groups covered by Louisiana’s anti-hazing laws to include fraternities, sororities, associations, clubs, service groups, spirit groups and others whose members are composed of students attending college. Those groups that knowingly allow hazing could face fines of up to $10,000.

The bill would also change the definition of hazing to include the consumption of drugs or alcohol which “subjects the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm.”

“I think having it in Max’s name — of course it means a lot to our family — but I think it’s gonna speak to the young adults,” Stephen Gruver said. “It’ll resonate more with them since it’s in Max’s name.’