(KTEN) — Effective September 1, any driver convicted of intoxication manslaughter in Texas will be ordered to pay child support to the child of a parent killed in a crash.  

"no it is not getting that parent back but it's accountability" (local)

House Bill 393 requires any drunk driver who kills a parent to pay restitution to their children until they turn 18 or graduate from high school.

"I am in full support of it," said state Rep. Reggie Smith (R-District 62). "Parents have been killed as a result of drunk drivers, and so what we're trying to do is provide yet another avenue of restitution for the children that are left behind."

Gov. Greg Abbott posted on social media last week that he was proud to have signed the bill into law.

A court would determine the amount of each monthly payment based on the standard of living the child is accustomed to. If the person convicted is unable to pay while in prison, they will be required to pay no later than one year after being released.

This new law will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1.