Full Breakdown
Missouri's Bentley and Mason's Law: A Push for Child Support from Drunk Drivers
2/28/2026, 7:46:29 AM
Overview of Bentley and Mason's Law
In Missouri, a proposed bill known as Bentley and Mason's Law aims to require individuals convicted of killing a parent while driving under the influence to provide child support for the surviving children. This initiative is named after two young boys, Bentley and Mason, who lost their parents in a tragic drunk driving incident in April 2021. State Senator Mike Henderson, who has championed the bill since the crash, emphasizes the necessity of this legislation to support families affected by such tragedies.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Under Bentley and Mason's Law, if a convicted offender is sentenced to jail, child support payments would commence one year after their release. These payments would continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or 21, depending on their age at the time of the parent's death. The bill has been introduced multiple times in Missouri over the years but has not yet passed. However, there is currently no opposition to the measure, and supporters are hopeful for its success this year.
Personal Impact and Advocacy
Cecilia Williams, the grandmother of Bentley and Mason, has been a vocal advocate for the bill, motivated by her desire to provide for her grandsons after the loss of their parents. She stated, “I wanted to bring something to help families that need it when they find themselves in the situation of raising kids again.” Additionally, Sgt. Cody Unfress of the Byrnes Mill Police Department, who was the first officer on the scene of the 2021 crash, shared his personal connection to the issue, having also been orphaned by a drunk driver as a child. His experiences have driven him to specialize in investigating such incidents.
Context and Broader Implications
While Bentley and Mason's Law originated in Missouri, similar legislation has been enacted in six other states, with Tennessee being the first to issue child support payments under this law. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Missouri ranks ninth in the nation for driving under the influence cases, highlighting the urgency of addressing the consequences of drunk driving.
Official Statements & Responses
State Senator Mike Henderson remarked, “I just think that this is the right thing to do,” reinforcing the moral imperative behind the legislation. The absence of opposition suggests a growing consensus on the need for such measures to protect vulnerable children left behind by tragic circumstances.
What's Next
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, advocates and families affected by similar tragedies remain hopeful for its passage, which could set a precedent for supporting children impacted by drunk driving incidents in Missouri and potentially inspire further legislative action in other states.
