Bill > SB384

This bill addresses victim restitution in cases of negligent homicide caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol by modifying existing state law to require defendants convicted of such offenses to provide financial support for the surviving minor children of the victim. Specifically, the bill mandates that when a defendant is found guilty of negligent homicide in the first degree, they must pay restitution to support the deceased victim's children until they reach either 18 years old or 23 years old if the child is enrolled full-time in a college, university, vocational school, or trade school. The amount of support will be determined by the court and paid to the person responsible for raising the children. The legislature's rationale for this bill is to hold drunk or drug-impaired drivers financially accountable for the long-term financial impact of their actions, recognizing that the children of victims often suffer significant economic hardship after losing a parent. The bill amends Section 706-646 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to include this new provision for child support as part of victim restitution and is set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=384&year=2025