Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill that seeks to protect the children of victims killed by drunk drivers. It will enter into force in September.
Pursuant to HB 393, the Court will order a person convicted of a crime to pay restitution for a child whose parent or guardian was a fatality.
Under this new law, the Court will determine an amount to be paid monthly for child support until the child turns 18, or has graduated from high school.
The measure provides that, if the person convicted of this offense is unable to make the required restitution payments because they are confined or incarcerated, they will begin payments no later than the first anniversary of their release date.
Also, the accused person may enter into a payment plan to address any backlog that exists on their release date.
The bill was introduced by Texas Representative Craig Goldman.