"New Texas Law Mandates Drunk Drivers to Provide Child Support for Victims' Children Until Age 18"

A recently enacted Texas law now compels intoxicated drivers who cause the death of parents or guardians to financially support the children of the victims until they reach the age of 18.

House Bill 393, a bipartisan measure, officially came into effect on September 1. Under this law, children will receive these financial provisions until they either turn 18 or complete their high school education, depending on whichever occurs later.

Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law on June 2, emphasizing the gravity of deaths caused by drunk driving in a tweet dated July 25th. The court will determine the monthly support payment based on several factors, including the financial requirements of the child, the surviving parent or guardian (if applicable), and the financial capabilities of the defendant.

Payments will be directed to the surviving parent or guardian, or to the Department of Family and Protective Services if the child is placed under their care. If the defendant cannot make the mandated payments due to incarceration, they must commence payments within a year after their release.

According to the law, "The defendant must pay all arrearages regardless of whether the restitution payments were scheduled to terminate while the defendant was confined or imprisoned in the correctional facility."