In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation (formerly SB1116) modeled after a proposal in Missouri that will require individuals convicted of drunk driving and who cause the death of a parent or guardian as a result of a DUI related crash to pay child support to a surviving spouse or legal guardian until the child reaches the age of 18 years.
 
This proposal was spearheaded by a grandmother in Missouri whose son, his fianc e, and their infant son were killed by a drunk driver in a car accident.
 
Specifically, the legislation will permit judges presiding over these 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 importantly ensures a surviving caretaker has financial assistance to provide for the surviving child or children and 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.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this measure to hold drunk drivers responsible for the lives that they irreversibly impact.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 831 (May 22, 2025): 18-3735(a)