New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a replacement anti-hazing bill into law Tuesday that needs schools to adopt policies against hazing and increases penalties for those found guilty.

The law is inspired by the death of Timothy J. Piazza, consistent with a press release from the governor's office.

Piazza, of Lebanon, New Jersey, died in 2017 after excessive drinking on his first night pledging the Beta Theta Pi house at Penn State University led to a series of falls that resulted during a severe head injury and his death subsequent day, consistent with court records and testimony.

Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911, and Piazza died from a traumatic brain injury, consistent with court records and testimony.
"The safety of our students is our top priority, and that we must do all that we will to guard them from cruel and dangerous hazing rituals," Murphy said. "With today's bill signing, we honor Tim Piazza's life and make our strongest effort yet to uproot hazing to stop similar tragedies."

The new law requires all "higher education institutions," also was public and personal middle and high schools, in New Jersey to adopt anti-hazing policies and enforce penalties for violations of the policy, the governor's office said.

Additionally, the law raises the severity of hazing charges, effectively enforcing a harsher punishment upon conviction.