Texas to make drunk drivers who kill parents pay child support, X asks what about shooters

The US state of Texas has implemented a new law, effective as of September 1, that holds killer drunk drivers responsible for child support if they cause the death of a child's parents or guardians. This legislation mirrors a similar law signed in July 2022 by the state of Tennessee.

Under this law, killer drunk drivers are obligated to make payments until the child reaches the age of 18 or completes their high school education, whichever comes later. The payment amount is determined based on the child's "standard of living," their "physical and emotional condition," and their "educational needs."

The law

• Named "Bentley's Law" or "Ethan, Haile, and Bentley's Law" after the children of a rookie police officer killed by a drunk driver.

• The law has received a largely positive reception from Texans, although legal experts have raised concerns.

• In cases where the perpetrator is unable to make payments due to imprisonment, they are still expected to fulfill their financial obligations within a year of their release.

• Marie Briner, from the Briner Family Law Group, raised a potential issue where the child or children could reach adulthood while the perpetrator remains incarcerated for 20 years or longer. The resolution for such scenarios remains unclear.

• Complex questions arise, such as liability in cases where the victim may bear partial responsibility or in incidents involving reckless driving without alcohol involvement.

• Some individuals have questioned whether the Republican government of Texas would consider applying a similar punishment to those convicted of gun violence.

   

• Republicans are notoriously pro-gun ownership in the country plagued with mass shootings.