Missouri Enacts Law Requiring Drunk Drivers to Pay Child Support for Orphaned Children
Missouri has passed a new law, known as 'Bentley's Law,' which mandates that drunk drivers who cause the death of a parent must pay child support to the surviving children. This legislation was inspired by Cecilia Williams, a grandmother who lost her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson to a drunk driving incident. Williams is now raising her two orphaned grandsons, Bentley and Mason. The law was introduced in 2021 and signed by the governor in 2026. It requires convicted drunk drivers to provide financial support to the children until they reach 18, or 21 if they are still in school. Additionally, the law includes 'Melanie's Law,' which increases penalties for fatal DWI crashes and mandates the use of ignition interlock devices for offenders. Missouri is the eighth state to pass such legislation. 
