Missouri Legislature Approves Bentley and Mason’s Law Following Jefferson County Tragedy

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - A devastating drunk-driving crash in Jefferson County that claimed the lives of an entire family has led to a new Missouri law designed to help children left behind.

The legislation, known as Bentley and Mason’s Law, would require individuals convicted of driving while intoxicated and causing the death of a parent to provide child support payments to the surviving children.

The measure is named after 9-year-old Bentley Williams and 7-year-old Mason Williams whose parents, Lacey Newton and Cordell Williams, along with their four-month-old brother, Cordell Williams II, were killed by a drunk driver in Byrnes Mill in 2021.

The effort to pass the legislation was led by the boys' grandmother, Cecilia Williams of Bonne Terre, who has spent the last four years advocating for the measure.

Williams said seeing the bill reach the governor's desk has been an emotional milestone.

"It's about time," he said. "We have fought hard for four years in Missouri and to see it get done this year is amazing. They've done something right for the kids of Missouri."

The Missouri Senate approved the bill unanimously on April 20 by a 29-0 vote. The Missouri House later passed the measure on May 15 by a vote of 127-2.

If signed by Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri will join a growing number of states adopting versions of Bentley and Mason's Law. Supporters say the legislation creates accountability for drunk drivers while providing financial assistance to children who lose a parent because of impaired driving.

The bill is currently awaiting the governor's signature.