Bill > HB336

This bill creates a new legal provision requiring felony offenders who cause aggravated vehicular homicide (OVI) to pay child maintenance when their victim is a parent or legal guardian of a minor child. Specifically, the bill allows courts to award child maintenance in two key scenarios: first, as a form of restitution during criminal sentencing, and second, in a civil wrongful death action when the offender is deceased. For each minor child of the victim, the court can order child maintenance payments until the child reaches 18 years old, calculated using the state's standard child support guidelines. If the offender is incarcerated and unable to pay, they will have up to one year after release to begin payments and must establish a payment plan for any outstanding balance. The bill is named after Sam Knisley, likely a victim of such a circumstance, and aims to provide financial support for children who lose a parent due to a felony-level vehicular homicide. The legislation ensures that children who lose a parent to such a crime can receive financial support from the offender, helping to mitigate the economic impact of the tragic loss.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb336