Bill > A01534

This bill, known as "Tsakos' Law", amends the executive law to require that when a defendant causes the death of a person with children through vehicular crimes such as vehicular manslaughter or aggravated vehicular homicide, the state's victim compensation program will provide child support payments to the deceased victim's children until they reach 18 years old. Specifically, the bill modifies existing legal definitions to include children who lose a parent to specific vehicular crimes as "child victims" and expands the victim compensation program's ability to provide monthly financial support to these children. The child support award will be determined by the state office administering victim compensation, taking into consideration the financial resources of the child's remaining parent or guardian. The payments will be made monthly and continue until the child turns 18, with the goal of providing financial assistance to children who have lost a parent due to a driver's criminal negligence. The law is named after a specific case and is designed to provide additional support for children who suffer the loss of a parent due to intoxicated or impaired driving.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1534