Tennessee Legislation Aims to Hold Drunk Drivers Financially Responsible for Child Support

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In Tennessee, a proposed law is gaining traction that could change the way drunk drivers are held accountable for their actions. This initiative, driven by a grieving grandmother, seeks to require individuals convicted of causing fatal accidents while intoxicated to provide child support for any children left behind without parents or guardians.

The law, inspired by the tragic loss of a family, aims to address the financial needs of children affected by such devastating incidents. After Cecilia Johnson lost her son and grandson due to an alleged drunk driving incident in 2021, she took action to ensure that those responsible for such tragedies contribute to the well-being of the affected children. The driver, who reportedly had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit, faced minimal consequences from the accident while leaving a family shattered.

Carter’s Law

Under the proposed legislation, known as Carter’s Law, individuals convicted of causing the death of a parent while driving under the influence would be obligated to pay child support until the children reach 18 years old and graduate from high school. Cecilia believes that this financial responsibility is crucial for the well-being of her surviving grandchildren, who now rely on her care.

Cecilia’s cousin played a significant role in promoting the bill, which has already passed the Tennessee House with unanimous support. However, it still needs to be approved by the state Senate before reaching the Governor’s desk for final approval. While legal experts acknowledge the potential difficulties in collecting child support from offenders, they emphasize the importance of adding accountability measures for drunk drivers.

The law includes provisions to ensure that even if the convicted individual cannot pay immediately, they will have a year after their release to begin making payments. This aims to guarantee that the financial burden does not fall solely on the grieving families.

Wider Impact and Support

As awareness of this legislation spreads, similar proposals are being introduced in other states, including Missouri and Virginia. Cecilia hopes that by advocating for these changes, she can prevent future tragedies and provide some measure of support to families affected by drunk driving incidents.

If you’re interested in supporting Cecilia and her grandchildren during this challenging time, consider contributing to her GoFundMe campaign.

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In summary, Cecilia Johnson’s fight for “Carter’s Law” is a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of drunk driving on families. By making offenders financially responsible for child support, this legislation aims to mitigate the devastating effects of such tragedies on innocent children.