Bill > SB1135

This bill creates "Bentley's Law," which requires a person convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) who causes the death of a child's parent(s) to pay child maintenance until the child reaches certain milestones. These milestones include turning 18 or 21 years old, getting married, entering military service, or dying. The law allows for extended maintenance if the child is physically or mentally incapacitated, or if the child continues their education by attending secondary school or a vocational/higher education institution. The court will determine a reasonable maintenance amount based on factors such as the child's financial needs, the surviving parent's resources, the standard of living the child would have experienced, and the child's educational needs. Maintenance payments will be made through the circuit clerk or family support payment center, and the law includes provisions for wage garnishment and enforcement. If the person ordered to pay maintenance is incarcerated, they will have up to one year after release to begin payments. The law also addresses potential civil actions, stating that if the surviving parent wins a civil lawsuit against the DWI offender, the maintenance order may be offset against the civil judgment.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=319