Virginia House Bill HB1104

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

Wrongful death; death of parent/guardian of child resulting from driving motor veh. under influence.

Impact

The implications of HB1104 on state laws could be considerable as it amends existing provisions related to wrongful death claims and child support obligations. By entrusting courts with the discretion to enforce support payments from DUI offenders, this bill potentially shifts some of the financial burdens associated with these tragic events onto those responsible for them. Legal custodians would have recourse to seek and receive support that can help alleviate the challenges of raising children without their parents.

Summary

House Bill 1104 addresses wrongful death cases resulting from incidents involving driving under the influence (DUI). Specifically, it allows a court to order child support payments from a defendant who unintentionally causes the death of a parent or legal guardian of a child due to DUI violations. This bill is significant as it aims to provide financial assistance to custodians of children who lose their parents due to the reckless actions of others, thereby placing an obligation on offenders to contribute to the support of the affected minor children.

Contention

There may be contentious points surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the fairness of imposing financial penalties on individuals who may already face significant legal consequences from their actions. Some might argue about the potential for abuse or the adequacy of these support systems in truly addressing the needs of the grieving children and their custodians. Additionally, concerns may arise about how such changes could affect the overall legal landscape concerning DUI offenses, wrongful death claims, and child support determinations.