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Bentley's Law: Drunk drivers involved in deadly crashes must pay restitutions to orphaned children

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Published  June 21, 2023 6:47pm CDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 26 Houston

Texas measure charging drunk drivers signed into law

Drunk drivers involved in deadly accidents must now pay monthly support to children of adult victims. FOX 26 Political Reporter Greg Groogan tells us more about the newly signed measure called Bentley’s Law.

HOUSTON - Drunk drivers in Texas involved in fatal accidents must now pay monthly support to the surviving minor children of their adult victims.

BACKGROUND: Bentley’s law: Grandma aims to make DUI offenders pay victims’ orphaned kids

The new measure is called "Bentley's law" and those who back it say it's about both prevention and accountability.

Also known as House Bill 393 Bentley's law attracted bi-partisan support in Austin.

MORE: Texas lawmakers debate 'Bentley's Law' to deter drunk driving

It requires convicted drunk drivers involved in deadly collisions to pay monthly restitution to the kids orphaned in the accident.

If the DWI offender receives prison time, the new law requires support payments begin one year after release and continue until the surviving children reach the age of 18.