From MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers):
Melanie’s Law and Bentley’s & Mason’s Law strengthen impaired driving prevention, accountability, and support for victims’ families
[Jefferson City, Mo. July 8, 2026]— Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) applauds Governor Mike Kehoe for signing two landmark impaired driving bills that strengthen prevention efforts, increase accountability for offenders, and provide greater support for victims’ families. Together, Melanie’s Law (HB 1740) and Bentley’s & Mason’s Law (SB 1135) represent Missouri’s most significant improvements to impaired driving laws since 2012.
“Every impaired driving crash leaves a ripple effect that extends far beyond the moment of impact,” said Tabitha Perkins, Executive Director of MADD Missouri. “These new laws honor the lives of victims while helping prevent future tragedies. Together, they strengthen accountability, expand proven impaired driving countermeasures, and recognize the lifelong impact these crashes have on surviving families.”
The legislation addresses two critical aspects of impaired driving: preventing future offenses and ensuring greater justice and support for victims and their loved ones.
Melanie’s Law Strengthens Prevention and Accountability
Named in memory of Melanie Wankum, who was killed by a drunk driver in Jefferson City in 2022, Melanie’s Law, sponsored by Representative Dave Griffith and co-sponsored by Representative Mark Sharp, increases criminal penalties when impaired driving causes serious injury or death. Under current law, if a person driving while intoxicated causes the death of another person, it is a class C felony. This bill increases the penalty to a class B felony. A person must serve a minimum of five years of imprisonment before they can be eligible for parole. Under certain aggravated circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A felony with a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment before parole eligibility. Additionally, under current law, if an impaired driver seriously injures a person, it is a class D felony. Melanie’s Law increases the penalty to a class C felony.
The legislation also requires ignition interlocks for first-time convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher, helping prevent future impaired driving offenses through one of the most effective technologies available. It also requires ignition interlocks for first-time offenders involved in a crash resulting in property damage or physical injury when their BAC is 0.08 or higher. Ignition interlocks require drivers to provide a breath sample before a vehicle starts and help ensure individuals convicted of impaired driving cannot drive after consuming alcohol.
“If Melanie’s story prevents even one family from experiencing this heartbreak, her legacy will continue to save lives,” said Annette Wallace, Melanie’s mom.
Bentley’s Law & Mason’s Law Both Support Children Left Behind
This law, sponsored by Senator Mike Henderson and Representative Cecelie Williams, require impaired drivers who cause the death of a parent to provide restitution in the form of child support payments for surviving children. The legislation recognizes the long-term financial hardships many families face after losing a parent to an impaired driving crash and helps ensure children receive continued support as they grow.
“I am incredibly thankful to the legislators, MADD, advocates, and so many families who worked together to make this law a reality,” Cecilia Williams, grandmother of Bentley and Mason Williams and whose advocacy inspired Bentley’s & Mason’s Law said. “My hope is that Bentley’s & Mason’s Law not only helps children after tragedy strikes but also reminds every driver that choosing to drive impaired can have devastating consequences that last for generations.”
The legislation is part of the growing national Bentley’ and Mason’s Law movement, which has now been adopted in numerous states to provide additional accountability while helping families rebuild after unimaginable loss.
Although Missouri has made progress reducing impaired driving, the issue continues to claim hundreds of lives every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 263 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes in Missouri in 2024, accounting for 27% of all traffic fatalities statewide.
MADD commends Governor Kehoe, Representative Griffith, Senator Henderson, Representative Sharp, Representative Williams, legislative leaders, advocates, and the victim families whose courage and persistence helped make these lifesaving reforms possible.
“These laws were inspired by families who transformed unimaginable loss into meaningful action,” Perkins said. “Their advocacy will help protect future generations, strengthen support for victims and survivors, and remind every driver that the choice to drive impaired carries life-changing consequences.”
For 45 years, MADD has worked to end impaired driving, support victims and survivors, and prevent underage drinking and other drug use. Missouri’s latest legislative reforms reflect that ongoing commitment by combining stronger prevention measures with greater accountability and support for those most impacted.
MADD also recognizes the Wankum family, Cecilia Williams, and the many survivors and advocates whose persistence and courage helped turn personal tragedy into lifesaving legislation for Missouri.
About MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by more than 51%, saved nearly 500,000 lives, and served nearly one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Drunk Driving Law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
