AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, presented LD 1512 Tuesday at a public hearing before the Judiciary Committee. This legislation, commonly known as "Bentley's Law," would require intoxicated drivers who kill the parent of a minor to pay a court-determined amount of restitution until the child is 18 years old.
"My hope is that this legislation will make drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car when they are impaired," said Stover. "But if a person chooses to drive when impaired and kills a parent, that driver will face additional consequences for that deadly decision. This bill ensures justice and accountability for the surviving child and any surviving parent or guardian."
Bentley's Law started in Missouri, where the son, daughter-in-law and grandson of a woman named Cecilia Williams were killed by a drunk driver. Her grandson, Bentley, was left in her care.
"It is important to bring justice for the victims and families, and LD 1512 does exactly that," said Williams. "This bill holds those who drive under the influence financially responsible for a minor who loses their parent and offers a family financial stability after such a tragic incident."
In July 2022, Tennessee became the first state to pass "Bentley's Law", and similar legislation was enacted in Kentucky in March called "Melanie's Law". Ten states have introduced similar legislation in the 2023 Legislative session.
The Legislature's Judiciary Committee will hold a work session on LD 1512 in the coming weeks.
Rep. Holly Stover is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island. She is House chair of the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee and serves as a member of the Joint Select Committee on Housing.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Stover], c. 305-965-2744