Texas drunk drivers who kill a child’s parent or guardian in a crash are now required to pay child support, under legislation that took effect Friday.
Texas House Bill 393, also known as the Bentley Bill, was first introduced on November 14 of last year. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law on June 2.
“Every time a parent passes by is tragic, but a death at the hands of a drunk driver is especially appalling,” the Republican governor wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I was proud to sign HB 393 into law this year to require offenders to pay child support for the children of their victims.”
Under the law, those guilty of manslaughter while intoxicated are only caught until the child turns 18 or finishes high school.
“[T]The court will determine an amount to be paid monthly for child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later,” the text reads.
The amount of child support depends on multiple factors, including the child’s educational and medical needs and reasonable child care costs. The standard of living to which the child is accustomed is also taken into account.
Every time it happens to a parent it is tragic, but death at the hands of a drunk driver is especially egregious.
I was proud to sign HB 393 into law this year to require criminals to pay child support for their victims’ children.pic.twitter.com/zpNJtRj50h
—Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 25, 2023
Anyone who is unable to make payments due to incarceration may be eligible for a payment plan.
“[T]“The defendant shall begin payments no later than the first anniversary of the date of his or her release from the facility,” the law states.
“The defendant may enter into a payment plan to cover any arrears that exist on the date of his release.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs a new law that would force drunk drivers who kill a child’s parent or guardian in an accident to pay child support.REUTERS
“The defendant must pay all arrears, regardless of whether the restitution payments were scheduled to end while the defendant was confined or incarcerated in the correctional facility.” adds the law.
Fox News Digital reached out to Abbott for a statement but did not hear back.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn