The Sam Knisley Family Support Act amends section 2929.18 and enacts section 2125.05 of the Revised Code to require felony offenders convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide due to operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) to provide child maintenance if the victim was a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a minor child. This new provision allows courts to award child maintenance in civil wrongful death actions even if the offender is deceased, ensuring that financial support for the minor children continues. The court will determine the child maintenance amount based on the basic child support schedule, with payments made from the offender's estate to the surviving parent or guardian.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language in section 2929.18 regarding financial sanctions, mandating that offenders convicted of felony violations related to aggravated vehicular homicide must pay restitution in the form of child maintenance until the child reaches eighteen years of age. It also introduces amendments concerning fines and restitution for various offenses, including human trafficking and sexually oriented crimes, while allowing courts to retain a portion of fines for administrative costs. The legislation clarifies the collection process for financial sanctions and ensures that victims can still pursue civil actions against offenders. Overall, the bill aims to enhance financial support for children affected by OVI-related offenses and streamline the imposition of financial penalties on offenders.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2929.18