The Sam Knisley Family Support Act proposes significant amendments to section 2929.18 and enacts section 2125.05 of the Revised Code, focusing on financial support for minor children affected by aggravated vehicular homicide cases involving offenders under the influence. The bill mandates that felony offenders convicted of such crimes must pay child maintenance if the victim was a parent or guardian of a minor child. It allows courts to award child maintenance in wrongful death actions, even if the offender is deceased, ensuring payments are made from the offender's estate. The amount of child maintenance will be calculated based on child support guidelines, and timely remittance of payments is required. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a civil action for child maintenance has already been settled, no further maintenance will be ordered.

The legislation also modifies existing provisions regarding financial sanctions for offenders, particularly concerning restitution and fines. It updates the reference for the maximum statutory fine amount and establishes that if mandatory fines for certain felony violations exceed the maximum allowed, no additional fines can be imposed. The bill requires offenders convicted of specific crimes related to human trafficking to pay restitution covering various victim costs, including housing and medical expenses. Furthermore, it allows courts to impose fines for sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offenses and mandates that fines be paid to law enforcement agencies in cases involving the death of police animals. The act also clarifies the collection process for financial sanctions and repeals the existing section 2929.18 of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2929.18