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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 29, 2022 10:48 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Anthony M. DeLuca |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Requiring Drunk Drivers to Pay Child Support if Parent is Killed in an Accident |
| When someone drives drunk, they choose to put other’s lives and property at risk. Tragically, this choice can lead to the death of innocent people, including parents. Recently, other states have proposed requiring drunk drivers who cause the death of a parent or guardian to pay child support until the child is 18 years old. I believe this is an appropriate penalty, considering the lifelong impact that losing a parent has on a child. Specifically, my legislation will direct judges presiding over drunk driving cases to include this provision as part of the offender’s sentence under the subject of ‘restitution’. This will preclude the need for separate, civil action that not only forces families to relive memories of the tragic incident, but also adds additional layers of legal action that tax our judicial system. This legislation will also ensure that the surviving caretaker at least has some financial assistance to provide for the surviving child or children. Please join me in holding drunk drivers responsible for the lives that they irreversibly impact. There is nothing that can be done to bring back the loved ones lost to the reckless, selfish decisions of drunk drivers; however, this measure aims to further deter drunk driving and ensure that those who suffer the tragic consequences of losing a family member are given the justice they deserve. |
Introduced as HB2593