Public Comments
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: addy smith on February 2, 2026 21:22
What is just punishment for taking a life? There is no punishment that will ever be enough for the life of someone you love. The current punishment for taking a life by driving under the influence in WV is 3-15 years. Lawmakers, take a look at this bill and ask yourself what would you want the punishment to be if the life taken was your child? A daughter, son, mother, father? What if this was yours? Would 3 years be enough? There are no words to describe the pain of this loss. The punishment could never be enough to erase the pain but 3 years for a life is unbelievable!!! #justiceforbaylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Amber Mooney on February 2, 2026 21:22
This is a much needed change to the current law. The lives have countless innocent people have been taken by people who chose to drive while impaired. Parents have lost children. Children have lost mothers and fathers. Baylea Craig was a beautiful soul taken from her family, friends, and our community by the careless actions of an impaired driver. People cannot be replaced. The loss will be felt forever. Please consider taking this into account when voting yes to increase jail time and fines for impaired driving.
Thank you,
Amber Mooney
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Courtney on February 2, 2026 21:22
This bill absolutely needs passed! Too many precious lives are taken!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Whitney on February 2, 2026 21:20
I lost my father at 15 years old due to a driver under the influence in Boone county. Unfortunately, the killer didn’t receive any punishment. I am now 33 years old and still struggle with the fact that there were no consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Wilma Clark on February 2, 2026 21:20
I know personally about being a victim of a drunk driver. By the grace of God my family was spared. Baylee’s family has gone through so much. Please take a stand for accountability. You owe it to the citizens of WV. You owe to Baylea and her family and friends.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Roxie Miller on February 2, 2026 21:19
I wholeheartedly support this! I have always said the fines and punishments were and are not stiff enough. The family of the victim has to suffer the rest of their lives but the person who committed the crime gets off with only 15 years! This is pure and simple pre meditated murder. You know when you drink and drive that there’s a possibility that you will wreck and kill someone. Maybe with the passing of this bill people will think twice about drinking and getting behind the wheel. I also believe the establishments that sell the alcohol to the person who causes a death should also be held accountable. This endless vicious cycle of drinking and driving has got to stop somewhere. Let it begin with Baylee’s Law House Bill 4712.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Reda McCormick on February 2, 2026 21:19
The life of this beautiful young woman was taken way too soon. She had so much to live for, so much joy to give over the years. She was loved by so many. Her family is hurting and will miss out on her for the rest of their lives Their pain will not end in 15 years
People who make the decision drive intoxicated need to know they will get more than a slap on the wrist. They need to be held accountable. The law needs to change.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: KM on February 2, 2026 21:19
One is too many to for this to happen to, heartbreakingly it did happen. Do something about it. Such a beautiful woman inside and out was taken because of someone’s ugly actions. Let her love and smile live on. Make people accountable!!!!!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Maggie-Sue Parsons on February 2, 2026 21:18
Drinking and driving is against the law. Taking someone’s life and only getting three to fifteen years is unacceptable. If you take a life, I strongly believe you deserve more than a slap on the wrist. Baylea passing, her mother and father lost their daughter, her brothers lost their sister, her niece and nephew; they lost their aunt. This should not be taken so lightly.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Abagail Dickens on February 2, 2026 21:18
If I drove intoxicated and caused a horrific accident I should be held accountable for my careless actions. I chose to drive my car despite my inability to drive.Whether it was intentional, premeditated, or just from being reckless… murder is murder. As a state we shouldn’t be giving these individuals the ability to go on living their lives to the fullest… because the victims will never get their lives back and their families/friends have to spend the rest of their lives reliving a heartbreak every gathering, holiday, or big milestone because their loved one was taken from them from someone else’s negligence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Devynn Foster on February 2, 2026 21:17
This needs to be done to help with drunk driving
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shannon ODell on February 2, 2026 21:13
This is so needed in our society today. Saying a reckless mistake of dui can be just 3 years is insanity and wrong for the life lost. I pray this is passed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jada Bostic on February 2, 2026 21:09
I hope this passes!! Drunk driving is horrible!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Leslie Cooper on February 2, 2026 21:08
WV needs this, so many people are killed on our roads and thus could help prevent it!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Taylor Morgan on February 2, 2026 21:08
I feel that the sentence for DUI causing death in West Virginia should absolutely be increased as reflected by the proposed Baylea’s Law. No amount of jail time will bring them back, but losing your loved one should warrant the person who took their life being away for longer than three years. Ask yourself how you would feel if you lost your daughter or sister and the individual who killed them by drunk and impaired driving sat at home for a year waiting for trial then only spent 3 short years in jail.
People need to understand the true consequences of impaired driving. It can result in the loss of your own life as well as another’s. Please pass Baylea’s Law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brad R Cantley on February 2, 2026 21:07
I support this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brianna Marut on February 2, 2026 21:07
In honor of Baylea, i support this law and those who drive and drink under the influence
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: James Z Pandelios on February 2, 2026 21:06
WE NEED THIS BILL PASSED !!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Teresa Thompson on February 2, 2026 21:06
I didn’t personally know this young lady but laws need to change first the better. The woman guilty if running head on into Baylee’s truck on that morning, needs to pay. CHANGE THE LAWS……. Don’t let another family suffer a tragedy such as this
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bandit Adam Foster on February 2, 2026 21:04
It’s obvious not enough is being done to make people more aware of they’re own personal actions.These actions they do, that cause so many people lifelong pain and suffering.A slap on the wrist and they’re back out amongst the general population while families & friends suffer tremendous loss.This law is a start in the right direction.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tommy Harper on February 2, 2026 21:03
This law should be passed because it would impact the community in a positive way and help decrease the chance of someone getting killed by a drunk driver. Thank if it was YOUR family
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Natoshia Bennett on February 2, 2026 21:01
A bill doubling the sentence for DUI causing death in West Virginia is long overdue, and I’m truly hoping lawmakers have the courage to pass it. Too many families have been shattered by preventable tragedies, and the current penalties don’t come close to reflecting the weight of a life lost. Strengthening the consequences isn’t about revenge, it’s about drawing a hard line that says impaired driving will not be tolerated, not in our communities and not on our roads. This bill gives West Virginia a chance to protect future families from the heartbreak so many have already endured, and I’m standing behind it, hoping it becomes a law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Breanna Campbell on February 2, 2026 21:01
I believe this should be the new law we lost my husband grandmother Donna Kay Campbell due to a man that was on drugs and drinking an killed her here in Boone county WV this law should be enforced in every county an state! Theses people getting behind the wheel impaired are taking our family members life’s and it’s not fair! Just imagine if it was your family members that was taken due to someone that chose to get behind the wheel impaired in some sort of way! PLEASE PASS THIS LAW!! Our family’s that lost someone due to impaired drivers deserve the justice for our lost family members!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Debra Miller on February 2, 2026 21:00
I totally support doubling the time and fine for ANYONE who drives drunk or impaired and kills someone! Should’ve been passed years ago! Maybe these people who carelessly drive drunk and or impaired will think twice before getting behind the wheel if they know they’ll get more than a smack on the hand!!! And our families won’t have to DIE!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Megan on February 2, 2026 20:59
I support Baylea’s law!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Peyton Thompson on February 2, 2026 20:58
I feel this law would be important not just for the victims of drunk driving deaths. But the families.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chloe Estep on February 2, 2026 20:57
I more than support this law change!!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: gracey leighton on February 2, 2026 20:57
baylea was my best friend. is my best friend. the loss of her has impacted a whole community. she always brought a smile to everyone’s face even when she was having a bad day. when destany took her away from us she blew out a candle. baylea brought light to so many places. she filled so many hearts with love. i truly believe destany deserves more than 3 years. she made the decision (we have been taught since kindergarten not to drink and drive or do drugs) to end a life. destany lester murdered a daughter, murdered a sister, murdered a friend. regardless of if she planned on doing it or not the decisions she made that day effected not just one life but hundreds. why should she only get 3-15 years when we get a life time of grief, a lifetime of sorrow, a life time of heart drops when we are reminded of what happened. 3-15 years is a punch in the gut to the victim and the victims family/ friends. there are so many crimes in west virginia without the outcome being death that get much more than 3-15 years. at the end of the day we are all taught not to drink and drive from a very young age. dui causing death is murder. no matter how you put it, or what happened. dui causing death deserves more than 3-15 years.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Marilyn Maynard on February 2, 2026 20:57
3 years is just too short a time for killing someone! Please pass Baylea’s Law!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cierra Burton on February 2, 2026 20:55
I am for this law
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ronda Tabor on February 2, 2026 20:55
Please Pass!!!!!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Michelle Averson on February 2, 2026 20:55
I pray this bill passes. If it could just save one precious life. This family and others have been through a nightmare.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ashley Burns on February 2, 2026 20:55
This young lady had a whole life in front of her with family and friends that cherished their times with her and no longer have that time. Senseless and shameful of the system to bring her killer to justice.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Vicky Brown on February 2, 2026 20:53
Please pass Bill HB1234 for Baylee's law
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Missy on February 2, 2026 20:53
I support Baylea’s law! What if it was your loved one who list their life?
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim Buzzard on February 2, 2026 20:53
We support and want to see this law PASSED!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: April Workman on February 2, 2026 20:52
Baylea’s Law needs to be passed because the loss of a life due to DUI is not an “accident” it’s a preventable choice. Stronger penalties send a clear message that driving under the influence and taking someone’s life will be met with real accountability. Families who lose a loved one deserve justice, and harsher consequences may help deter others from making the same reckless decision. If even one life can be saved by increasing penalties, then Baylea’s Law is worth passing. My heart breaks for our friends for what they are going through with losing their beautiful daughter. No family should have to endure this kind of loss. 💙
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Whitney Cook on February 2, 2026 20:52
This bill should pass! This family has been through so much!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Isabell Gillispie on February 2, 2026 20:52
I agree with this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kimberly Clark on February 2, 2026 20:52
It should 10 years minimum!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Annie Shrewsbury on February 2, 2026 20:51
The death of Baylea Bower has deeply affected my family as I am 1st cousins with her husband. I also have a relative on the other side of my family who has been arrested for multiple DUI’s and keeps reoffending. People who drink and drive are knowingly putting many lives at risk for their decisions. Unfortunately too many people are tragically hurt or killed due to the negligence of others. This isn’t something that’s an accident, the definition of an accident is “an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury”. People who drink and drive KNOW they are impaired and still choose to drive. They know what can happen. People are let off the hook or given way less than the punishment that is deserved.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kyle on February 2, 2026 20:51
A human life does not equate a 3 year minimum victims loss their entire lives do to dumb decisions!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lori Thomas on February 2, 2026 20:50
This bill should pass!! We need this in law!! Thank you!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tammy on February 2, 2026 20:49
I support this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Heather Thomas on February 2, 2026 20:48
Please consider the bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kathryn Darby on February 2, 2026 20:48
3 to 15 is not a long enough punishment for making poor decisions and taking another's life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim Smith on February 2, 2026 20:48
Please concider Bayleas bill the sentence right now is not nearly long enough family has a life long sentence while the offender walks free to live their life in ni time at all
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jenny Bowling on February 2, 2026 20:47
Please pass Baylees bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shea Strader on February 2, 2026 20:46
Please pass this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mary Selbe on February 2, 2026 20:46
I am in support of a stricter law for DUI resulting in death. Driving under the influence is too common in West Virginia, and at most times, viewed as the norm.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Donna Massey on February 2, 2026 20:45
I think changing this law to stronger sentence would make you think before driving impaired. When you know you should not be driving under those conditions. The law definitely needs changed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mandy Davis on February 2, 2026 20:45
Please pass Baylea’s Law
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jessica Dunlap on February 2, 2026 20:45
Absolutely
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brandy Taylor on February 2, 2026 20:44
Baylea and her family deserve justice and these short sentences is not justice
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kaitlyn Douglas on February 2, 2026 20:44
Please pass Baylea's law! Please make it to where people are held accountable for their actions, and they pay the maximum sentence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Francine Hodge on February 2, 2026 20:44
People who drink do drinks and drive are choosing to do that. The person or family they may hit, didn’t have a chance to decide what happened to them. Life is so precious! If you decide to do those things and get behind a wheel, then you should have to pay for what you done!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Emily Williford on February 2, 2026 20:44
It’s important to have sentencing that even remotely reflects the damage caused by drunk and impaired drivers. This is the first step in Justice for those who aren’t here anymore due to the actions of those breaking the law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kathy Raymond on February 2, 2026 20:43
A life that has been taken by something that could be avoided so easily, should not have such a light punishment. If someone goes out and drinks and decides to drive when there’s so many options out there to prevent a potential wreck. People need punished and to be held responsible.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bobbie Cameron on February 2, 2026 20:42
#passbayleaslaw
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melinda Gibson on February 2, 2026 20:42
Driving under the influence is something so selfish that affects so many people every year. Innocent people get killed by someone who should know right from wrong. I lost a good friend, who had gotten into a car thinking they were just going to get some food and they never made it back home due to an impaired driver. The decision to get behind the wheel drunk not only affects you or the person injured. It affects families, friends and so many loved ones. I am a mom of an infant and a toddler; I still get nervous on the roads because no matter how safe you are, others decisions and driving is out of my control. This law should be passed because it will make people second guess themselves before getting behind the wheel impaired. This could save so many life and prevent so much heart ache in the future.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nadia Mugnolo on February 2, 2026 20:42
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sally Chandler on February 2, 2026 20:41
The law needs to be more strict and enforced concerning impaired driving or any act while impaired resulting in death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chris waddell on February 2, 2026 20:40
I think this should be put into law
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: April Keenan on February 2, 2026 20:40
Dear Members of the West Virginia Legislature,
I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 4712, also known as Baylea’s Law. This important legislation honors the memory of 24-year-old Baylea Bower, who tragically lost her life on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in a head-on collision caused by a drunk and impaired driver on the Coalfield Expressway in Boone County.
Baylea was a vibrant young woman whose life was cut short due to the reckless and preventable actions of someone who chose to drive under the influence. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact that impaired driving has on families, communities, and our state as a whole. By doubling the minimum and maximum sentences for those convicted of DUI causing death, this bill sends a clear message that West Virginia will not tolerate such dangerous behavior and will hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent.
Tougher penalties like those proposed in Baylea’s Law are essential for deterring potential impaired drivers and providing a measure of justice for victims and their loved ones. I urge you to pass this bill swiftly to help prevent future tragedies and ensure safer roads for all West Virginians.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
April Dawn Keenan
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Debbie Gray on February 2, 2026 20:40
Please consider the importance of this bill and how it could save lives in the future.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shania Morgan on February 2, 2026 20:39
Great!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Molly Quentrill on February 2, 2026 20:39
A person lost her life for someone else’s careless decisions. When people choose to be under the influence of alcohol or any kind of inhibitor and then drive, they know the risk they are taking. And by taking these risks, they’ve taken lives. Lives that should’ve been around for many more years. 6 years isn’t even enough time to serve for the decisions that are made.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nikki sampson on February 2, 2026 20:38
This law should be passed to make people think twice before diving impaired.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kerri on February 2, 2026 20:37
Impaired driving kills and injures thousands every year. One impaired driver can destroy multiple families in seconds. Stricter laws need to hold drivers accountable for choosing to endanger others.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Crystal mccourt on February 2, 2026 20:37
I strongly encourage you to pass this bill this may prevent another life from being taken too soon
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jeremy Hudnall on February 2, 2026 20:37
Double maximum jail time.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Seth Rinchicy on February 2, 2026 20:36
Pass the bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Stephanie Adams on February 2, 2026 20:35
I believe this is a good bill that will help prevent drunk driving deaths and save families the heartache of burying a loved one. Even if it just saves one person, it has done the job. Thank you for supporting this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sheree Thomas on February 2, 2026 20:35
What is just punishment for taking a life? There is no punishment that will ever be enough for the life of someone you love. The current punishment for taking a life by driving under the influence in WV is 3-15 years. Lawmakers, please take a look at Baylea’s Law and ask yourself what would you want the punishment to be if the life taken was your child? A daughter, son, mother, father? What if this was yours? Would 3 years be enough? There are no words to describe the pain of this loss. The punishment could never be enough to erase the pain but 3 years for a life is unbelievable!!! #justiceforbaylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Debbie Mullins on February 2, 2026 20:34
This law desperately needs passed
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Karrie Blackburn on February 2, 2026 20:33
I worked in the hospital for three years. I’ve seen people lose their lives due to drunk drivers, and the impact that has on their families. I’ve lost family members due to drunk driving and it seems that the restrictions on impaired driving just aren’t steep enough to keep someone from getting behind the wheel, intoxicated. it happens way too frequently, and I support this law and hope that it passes so that we can save lives for a better future for our community, for our children and their families.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jackson Foster on February 2, 2026 20:33
PASS THIS
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Megan Russell on February 2, 2026 20:33
The pain from the natural death of a loved one is so hard. The pain from the death of a loved one who was taken by the negligence of someone who is driving under the influence is indescribable. One bad decision not only can take a life, but it also destroys the life of the victim’s family and friends. If the laws were more strict, I believe people may think twice before getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Natalie W on February 2, 2026 20:33
Please pass this. I wish this would count for past dui offenders that have killed innocent lives too such as Isaiah Browns killer, Nicholas farthing. Farthing has gotten away with too many dui’s and he killed Isaiah, who should’ve never lost his life. Same goes for Bailey, please pass this bill. These offenders need to do the correct time for their consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Megan Barker on February 2, 2026 20:33
I feel this is a great law to pass. If someone dies while you’re committing a felony, you get felony murder. So if someone dies while you’re driving under the influence, you should have a similar consequence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tori Rinchich on February 2, 2026 20:32
Baylea’s life was cut short because of another person’s selfish decision to drive under the influence. Let’s do what is right by doubling the sentence for DUI causing death. This change needs to happen. Too many lives are being taken by drunk and impaired drivers!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: McKayla Hayhurst on February 2, 2026 20:31
Baylea’s Law would help lessen the possibility of another loss of life due to drunk driving. No one should have to deal with the pain everyone has felt due to losing Baylea. The laws right now in West Virginia are NOT strict enough. I ask all legislators to stop and think. If this was your family member would you want their loved one’s murderer out in 3 years?
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nevada DiDonato on February 2, 2026 20:31
My mom was taken in the same tragic way. There definitely needs to be a longer sentence to stop this nonsense. This sweet innocent girl would still be here if it wasn’t for dumb mistakes. Her family needs justice!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Liberty moore on February 2, 2026 20:31
This law should be passed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lisa Layton on February 2, 2026 20:31
This needs to pass!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christan Milam on February 2, 2026 20:31
I fully back this bill, we need harsher punishments for these types of crimes. Tougher penalties may be what it takes to save someone’s life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Destiny on February 2, 2026 20:31
I fully support this legislation to double DUI fines. This issue is deeply personal to me. Bailey was my friend and lost her life due to a DUI, and I have also had to fight for my own child’s safety. My child’s father received multiple DUIs in Ohio within a single year, yet was able to regain his license shortly after. That reality is terrifying.
Drinking and driving must be taken more seriously in West Virginia, and in my opinion, all states. Just because alcohol is legal does not mean it should be abused at the expense of other people’s lives. Stronger consequences save lives, protect families, and send a clear message that reckless choices behind the wheel will not be tolerated.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Abbigail on February 2, 2026 20:31
- Taking a life should have a longer penalty.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jesse cooper on February 2, 2026 20:30
I think this bill would be a blessing to a lot of families that lose someone to death from dui hopefully it passes
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Haley McKinney on February 2, 2026 20:30
Someone that makes a choice drive under the influence and potentially harm another person deserves the toughest of sentences for it!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Patricia Foster on February 2, 2026 20:29
Baylea’s Law needs to be passed because the loss of a life due to DUI is not an “accident” — it’s a preventable choice. Stronger penalties send a clear message that driving under the influence and taking someone’s life will be met with real accountability. Families who lose a loved one deserve justice, and harsher consequences may help deter others from making the same reckless decision. If even one life can be saved by increasing penalties, then Baylea’s Law is worth passing. No family should have to endure this kind of loss. 💙
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: India Henderson on February 2, 2026 20:29
This bill would keep offenders off the roads and potentially save more lives. The longer they serve, the more they have time to get sober and stay out of their vehicles. Minimum three years and they can drive again? Possibly drive impaired again?
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Amanda Miller on February 2, 2026 20:29
Harsher criminal punishments are needed for DUI causing death. There are too many lives lost due to someone else's decisions. 3 years with good behavior is not a punishment for taking someone's life. And this is coming from someone that has a DUI.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cindy Burdette on February 2, 2026 20:29
This was such a tragedy for her family and our whole community.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lanayea on February 2, 2026 20:28
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Natassja Trontel on February 2, 2026 20:26
There is no reason in the present age to drive impaired. No excuse for this reckless action that takes the lives of others and greatly impacts their families. Pass Baylea’s Law!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tracie Jarvis on February 2, 2026 20:26
Driving drunk is a choice! They choose to get behind the wheel. There should be harsher punishment for that! There are many other options than to drive drunk. Killing someone due to DUI, is second degree murder in my opinion. You know the consequences of driving drunk, yet you still got behind the wheel! Double the sentence!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany boggs on February 2, 2026 20:26
Too many have lost their lives including my aunt bc ppl on dui get off easy! My aunts killer had multiple dui charges and they kept doing nothing until he unalived someone!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Angie on February 2, 2026 20:23
This bill needs to be passed and hopefully they will think before getting behind the wheel.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Destinee edwards on February 2, 2026 20:23
Should pass.