Texas Passes Law Requiring Drunk Drivers to Pay Child Support If They Kill a Parent or Guardian
AUSTIN, Texas — Starting Friday, convicted drunk drivers in Texas will be obligated to pay child support if they are responsible for the death of a child’s parent or guardian, according to House Bill 393. The law aims to provide financial restitution for the children who have lost a parent or guardian due to the actions of an intoxicated driver.
Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of intoxication manslaughter will be required to make child support payments until the child reaches the age of 18, or until they graduate from high school, whichever comes later. The law applies to individuals operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride while intoxicated, causing a fatal accident.
If the convicted offender is unable to make payments due to their incarceration, they will be expected to start making payments no later than the first anniversary of their release, as specified by the law.
Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed the bill into law in June, expressing his pride in backing the legislation. Governor Abbott stated, “I was proud to sign HB 393 into law this year to require offenders to pay child support for the children of their victims.”
This law follows a similar measure passed in Tennessee that also mandates drunk drivers to pay child support to the children of the victims. The move reflects the growing recognition of the financial burden placed on families who lose a loved one due to drunk driving incidents.
Road safety advocates have been pushing for stricter measures to combat drunk driving. The National Transportation Safety Board has even urged for the design of new vehicles to include technology aimed at detecting and stopping drunk drivers, as highlighted in the accompanying video.
The implementation of this law is seen as a significant step towards advocating for the rights of the children affected by drunk driving incidents, ensuring that they receive the financial support needed to navigate life without a parent or guardian.
The CNN Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
RELATED: Simulated drunk driving teaches teens about danger behind the wheel.