A night out, a reckless decision, and a tragedy that can never be undone. But what happens to the children left behind when an impaired driver takes a life? Bentley’s Law aims to ensure they aren’t left to struggle.

Senator William Parkinson reintroducing the bill, pushing for justice and financial accountability from those convicted of vehicular homicide while impaired. “And while no law can bring back a lost loved one, these innocent children are now left without the financial support they need to grow, learn, and build their futures. And we will make sure that doesn’t happen," he said.

The bill raises an important question: how many vehicular manslaughter cases on Guam have left children without their parents to raise them?

Parkinson added, “This is not about punishment for punishment’s sake. It is about accountability and making sure that these children do not have to suffer twice. First from the loss of a parent, and then from the loss of their future.”

Bentley’s Law originated in Missouri, where Cecilia Williams pushed for its creation after losing her son, daughter-in-law, and four-month-old grandson to a drunk driver. She and her husband stepped up to raise their two surviving grandsons, Mason and Bentley.

Williams said, “We are the ones who support them financially, but a lot of families don't have the income to do that...and it was never intended to make anybody rich. It is intended to help with school clothes, to help put food on the table, shoes on their feet.”

“This crime is not just a slap on the wrist. This crime has consequences. You have children involved. There are extreme consequences.”

Senators Telo Taitague, Therese Terlaje, Chris Barnett, and Shawn Gumataotao expressing support for the bill, also raising questions about enforcement mechanisms, such as payment time lines, oversight, and whether additional legal tools like wage garnishment or tax liens should be included.

Additional testimony is expected from the Attorney General’s Office, the Public Defender, the Judicial Branch, and the Guam Police Department.