Bill > H3287

This bill amends South Carolina law to require individuals convicted of certain serious vehicular and boating offenses involving death to pay child maintenance restitution to the minor children of their victims until each child reaches 18 years old and graduates high school. Specifically, the bill applies to people convicted of reckless vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or those with prior driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. Similarly, it applies to individuals convicted of operating watercraft under the influence resulting in death. The restitution amount will be determined by the court based on factors such as the child's financial needs, standard of living, physical and emotional condition, educational needs, custody arrangements, and the surviving parent's child care expenses. Payments will be made through the court clerk to the child's surviving parent or guardian. If the person responsible is incarcerated, they will have up to one year after release to begin payments. The bill also provides that if the surviving parent has already obtained a civil judgment against the offender, the child maintenance order will be offset by that amount. The legislation aims to provide financial support for children who have lost a parent due to impaired driving or boating incidents.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3287&session=126&summary=B