New Tennessee Bill Will Require Drunk Drivers to Pay Child Support If They Cause A Parent’s Death

A new bill that has been passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate would force drunk drivers to pay child support if they cause an accident that resulted in the death of a parent.

According to house bill 1834, it “requires a sentencing court, in convictions of vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide and when the deceased victim was the parent of a minor child, to order the defendant to pay restitution in the form of child maintenance to each of the victim’s children until each child reaches 19 years of age and has graduated high school.”

The amount of which one is convicted of vehicular homicide will depend on several factors, such as the child’s current standard of living, and any financial needs required for the child and surviving parent/guardian.

Even though if passed, the bill will apply to the state of Tennessee, many are suggesting that the rest of the 50 states apply similar laws. Sports commentator/former NFL star Shannon Sharpe voiced support for the bill, saying it “should be the law in all 50 states.”

The bill now awaits final approval from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to be implemented into law.