Public Comments

http://4224 seng Creek Rd

1. This is something that should have been in place already. Its murder, careless, senseless, murder. These people get by with a slap on the wrist for taking a life. Get this going so it doesn't happen anymore.

The law should be a lot more tougher on people that drink and drive and take a life! if you would give somebody 30 years instead of three for killing someone while intoxicated and driving, there would be a lot more people calling at designated driver,

I fully support 5260. As a medical card holder having the option for edibles would allow myself and other that do not like vaping or oils a better option. Not to mention the just keeping WV money in WV rather than individuals traveling to border states to buy edibles.

1. Please pass this bill, hopefully stricter punishment will be a strong deterrent for possible future offenders

Justice for baylea !! 🩷

• Baylea lost her life because of choices made by someone who CHOSE to drive under the influence. Her husband, parents, siblings, family and friends lost their precious wife, daughter, sister and friend to many. Baylea's absence is felt deeply in her community, even by those who only knew her casually. Baylea and her husband had plans for their future together. No one should have to suffer such tremendous loss because another human CHOSE to drive impaired. Laws need to be much more strict. Please pass Baylea's law so perhaps people will think twice before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle when they have been drinking or using drugs. Baylea and all who love her deserve justice in every way possible. Make Baylea's Law speak loud and clear that choosing to drive under the influence has harsh consequences.

There is absolutely no reason for anyone to get behind the wheel of a vehicle when the senses have been dulled by drugs or alcohol.   Alternatives such as Uber, taxi, friends or family are willing to help a person home to make money or because they are loved.  The choice to become inebriated must be preceded by the choice to protect others from wanton and reckless behavior that can lead to the injury or death of others.

Members of the Legislature,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this bill. I understand the intent to recognize the historical role of the Aitken Bible during the Revolutionary War and its place in early American history.

West Virginia’s Constitution requires the Legislature to provide a thorough and efficient system of free schools. Any law affecting public education should clearly support student learning, improve outcomes, and use limited resources wisely.

This bill does not meet that standard.

Requiring public schools to house religious material that cannot be purchased with public funds does not improve education in West Virginia. It does not raise test scores, improve reading skills, or increase student achievement. It does not create jobs or strengthen our workforce.

Our schools are already struggling to meet basic needs. Teachers and administrators regularly ask families and community members to donate supplies, books, and other resources. The Aitken Bibles required by this bill are costly, and requiring schools to obtain them through outside funding places yet another burden on communities that are already stretched thin.

The bill applies to fourth, eighth, and tenth grades based on when the American Revolution is taught. While the Revolution is discussed in those grades, it is important to note that eighth grade focuses on West Virginia history. The Revolutionary War is only briefly covered, and the limited time spent on it does not allow for the depth needed to make the historical connections this bill appears to expect.

This bill also includes no penalty for failing to comply. Without any enforcement, it functions more as a suggestion than a true requirement. That raises concerns about whether this legislation is meant to improve education or simply send a message to certain voters.

There is no clear evidence that this requirement would benefit students in any measurable way. At best, it risks becoming a display item that is rarely used.

There is no evidence or rationale demonstrating that this requirement will improve test scores, raise academic achievement, or meaningfully enhance historical understanding. In practice, it risks becoming nothing more than a decorative item on a bookshelf.

I respectfully urge you to focus your efforts on policies that clearly strengthen education and better serve West Virginia’s students.

The purpose of this bill seems to push private and charter school programs. This takes funding away from rural and poverty areas within WV. All children deserve free and accessible education not just the elite and wealthy. We cannot expect success when adequate and sustainable resources are not provided to a system  of public education. The children in public schools deserve proper funding this bill diverting funds to scholarships or vouchers undermines the effectiveness and success of our public education system.