@nowthisimpact: A new law in Texas requires drunken drivers to pay child support if they're responsible for the death of a parent or guardian. Under House Bill 393, a.k.a. 'Bentley’s Law,' which took effect on Sept 1, individuals whose drunken driving causes the death of parents or legal guardians will be obligated to pay child support. The obligation to make payments extends until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. The legislation comes after Tennessee enacted a similar measure in July 2022. The driving force behind Bentley's Law is Cecilia Williams, a Missouri grandmother who lost two generations of her family in a deadly car crash in April 2021. Texas' version of the law is now officially in effect after Gov. Greg Abbott signed it in June. ‘Any time a parent passes is tragic, but a death at the hands of a drunk driver is especially heinous,' Abbott wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, in July. ‘I was proud to sign HB 393 into law this year to require offenders to pay child support for the children of their victims.’ The law also addresses situations where the offender might be unable to fulfill their restitution requirements because they are incarcerated. In that case, they are still expected to make payments no later than one year after their release. #texas #drunkdrivers #childsupport #laws #politics #duilaws

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Tuesday 05 September 2023 21:20:37 GMT