FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
Kylee Leahy, Press Secretary Intern
Kylee.Leahy@iga.in.gov
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 18, 2024) — State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) is authoring legislation to support children who have lost a parent in an auto accident where the offender was driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Senate Bill 13 would require those convicted of driving under the influence and who, in tandem, cause the death of a parent, to pay the victim's child restitution.
"I believe those who are convicted of DWI and kill a parent in the process owe it to the child to provide the same financial support that the child's parent would've provided to them if they were still alive," said Dernulc. "The child should not have to continue to suffer after this terrible tragedy because of the reckless decisions of others."
The reparations would be expected to cover both a surviving parent's financial needs and child care expenses that have resulted from the death of their partner; payments for a child's previously existing custody agreement; and the child's education needs through their 18th birthday or high school graduation date.
SB 13 has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Judiciary for consideration.
-30-
State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) represents Senate District 1,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
