New Texas DUI Law, You Could Be Paying Child Support for Years

Driving under the influence is a serious problem, dangerous crime, and will soon have even more consequences in the Great State of Texas, including child support.

A new law will go into effect in Texas on September 1, 2023, that boils down to one thing, if you kill someone while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be held responsible for the financial well-being of their children until they turn 18 years of age or graduate high school.

If that seems a bit harsh, get over it, so is losing a parent to a drunk or drug-impaired motorist. The most important thing here is the child or children who had a parent, or parents ripped from their life. Money can never replace a loved one, but it helps ease the burden.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 28 people die every day in our nation from drunk-driving crashes, which equates to 1 death every 52 minutes.

The new law is called Bentley's Law which was first passed in Tennessee in 2022. Since then it has been introduced or passed already in 20 other US states including Texas.

You don't have to take my word for it, see the act as written and signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, here.

Friday, September 1, marks the beginning of Labor Day Weekend which is traditionally a drunk driving crackdown weekend in Texas. This year is no exception, but 2023 marks the beginning of a new incentive to consider when you know you have had too much to drink to be behind the wheel.

Give up your keys, call a friend or a cab, do not drive impaired.