(CMR) A new Texas law that will require drunk drivers who kill parents to pay child support was signed by the governor and goes into effect on September 1.
The question is being asked if the Cayman Islands Government will consider similar legislative changes to allow families to get some form of support when breadwinners are killed by intoxicated or reckless drivers.
Just recently, during the sentencing of Jordan Telford, who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, the victim's family asked the court to order compensation.
Shemiah Grant's family requested that Telford be ordered by the court to pay compensation of over $39,000, the cost incurred as a result of his death, and that he made a monthly payment. However, the judge said the order could not be made because Telford had no money.
Under the new law in Texas, those convicted of intoxication manslaughter will be required to pay restitution to support the victim’s minor children. A judge will determine the amount that the offender must pay until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school.
The judge will consider factors like the child’s financial and educational needs, their physical and emotional condition, the standard of living the child is accustomed to, the resources and needs of their surviving parent or guardian, and the financial resources of the offender.
If someone cannot pay because they are in prison, they must begin payments within a year after they are released. The court will set up a payment plan for the money owed.
Texas is not the first US state to implement this law; last year, Tennessee Senate passed a bill that would require intoxicated drivers convicted of vehicular homicide to pay child support if the victim of the offense was the parent of a minor child.
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