MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Drunk drivers could be required to pay child support

Feb 7, 2013, 5:24 AM | Updated: 7:07 am

State Rep. Roger Goodman believes it's only right for people convicted of vehicular homicide to pay for the children they left parent-less when they chose to get behind the wheel while drunk or high. (AP Photo/File)

(AP Photo/File)

Drunk drivers who kill behind the wheel could be forced to support the children of their victims under a bill being considered in the legislature.

State Rep. Roger Goodman believes it’s only right for people convicted of vehicular homicide to pay for the children they left parent-less when they chose to get behind the wheel while drunk or high.

His bill would give judge’s the ability to require restitution as part of the sentencing. “I just think it’s in the interest of justice to have that offender pay child support for those kids,” he said.

The amount would be based on a defendant’s ability to pay, and the payment would end when kids reach 18.

This bill made it out of the state House last year but did not clear the Senate.

MyNorthwest News

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

4 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

5 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

7 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

7 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

8 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

11 hours ago

Drunk drivers could be required to pay child support