New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03378

Introduced
1/27/25  
Refer
1/27/25  

Caption

Imposes a duty on a vehicular assailant to support a surviving child of a parent or guardian killed by such person; defines income; provides for a determination of support.

Summary

Bill A03378 amends the Family Court Act and Social Services Law to establish a legal obligation for individuals convicted of vehicular manslaughter or aggravated vehicular homicide to provide child support for any surviving children of the deceased parent or guardian. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms such as 'child support', 'surviving child', and 'vehicular assailant', and specifies how the court should determine the amount of support based on various factors, including the financial resources of the assailant and the needs of the child.

Impact

The bill introduces a new section to the Family Court Act that mandates child support payments from vehicular assailants to the surviving children of their victims. This change aims to provide financial support to children who lose a parent due to the actions of a convicted individual, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding child support obligations in cases of violent crimes. It also modifies existing laws related to child support calculations and the responsibilities of the court in determining fair support amounts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03378 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses the welfare of children affected by violent crimes. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial burden placed on individuals who are already facing incarceration and the potential implications for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the fairness of imposing child support obligations on individuals who may already be in difficult financial situations due to their criminal convictions. Critics may argue that this could hinder the assailant's ability to reintegrate into society post-incarceration, while supporters may emphasize the necessity of ensuring that surviving children receive adequate support regardless of the circumstances surrounding their parent's death.

Companion Bills

NY S01705

Same As Imposes a duty on a vehicular assailant to support a surviving child of a parent or guardian killed by such person; defines income; provides for a determination of support.

Previously Filed As

NY S02572

Imposes a duty on a vehicular assailant to support a surviving child of a parent or guardian killed by such person; defines income; provides for a determination of support.

NY S01705

Imposes a duty on a vehicular assailant to support a surviving child of a parent or guardian killed by such person; defines income; provides for a determination of support.

NY S478

Requires court to order financial support for child if child's parent or guardian is killed by drunk driver.

NY HB0334

Guardianships and Supported Decision-Making Agreements Amendments

NY HB986

Requires child support payments by persons convicted of vehicular homicide

NY HB8806

Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026

NY SB548

Family Law - Child Support - Determination of Custody and Agreements Between Parents

NY A3360

Requires drunk driver to pay restitution on behalf of child if parent or guardian is killed by that driver.

NY S1439

Requires drunk driver to pay restitution on behalf of child if parent or guardian is killed by that driver.

NY HB0522

Parentage and Child Support Amendments

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.