Arkansas House Bill HB1107

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Provide For Reasonable Child Support For Any Surviving Dependent Child Of A Homicide Victim When The Defendant Was Driving Or Boating While Intoxicated When The Homicide Offense Occurred.

Impact

The proposed bill fundamentally amends current statutes surrounding child support and restitution in homicide cases. By making provisions for financial support to the victims' children when the crime was committed under intoxicated conditions, the bill seeks to provide a safety net for those disproportionately affected by such tragic events. The expectation is that it could help alleviate some of the financial burdens placed on surviving family members, particularly in instances where the primary earner has been lost due to another's negligence.

Summary

House Bill 1107 is proposed legislation aimed at establishing provisions for child support to be awarded to the surviving dependent children of homicide victims, specifically when the homicide was committed by an individual who was driving or boating while intoxicated. This bill introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, aimed at ensuring that the families of victims are supported financially in the aftermath of a tragic loss. Under this bill, a defendant convicted of homicide may be required to pay reasonable child support as restitution for the benefit of the victim's dependent children.

Contention

While HB 1107 proposes to support certain vulnerable populations, it may also raise concerns regarding the implications for defendants facing homicide charges. Critics might argue about the fairness of imposing such financial obligations on individuals whose circumstances may be complex, such as cases involving intoxication. There may also be discussions surrounding the feasibility and enforcement of the child support orders, particularly in cases where defendants are unable to pay due to incarceration or lack of income. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for payment plans in such scenarios, which ensures some measure of flexibility in enforcement.