Public Comments
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.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Matthew Brown on February 2, 2026 20:23
JUSTICE FOR BAYLEA! We need stricter punishment!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Megan Lattie on February 2, 2026 20:23
this bill would hopefully raise awareness to dui causing death and duis in general.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Madaline Mantonya on February 2, 2026 20:22
I believe the fines should be doubled for DUI causing death to deter drivers from driving under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tiffany Bias on February 2, 2026 20:22
Baylee had her whole life ahead of her, but some one impaired on drugs and alcohol took that away from her and her family!
this law could very well save someone else loved on from getting killed by an impaired driver!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Traci Browning on February 2, 2026 20:22
I 100% stand behind and for Baylee’s Law. DUI’s, child molestors, and rapist all deserve longer jail sentences. Drinking and having fun for a few hours should not cost someone else their life. If a person is killed and taken from this world like poor Baylee, they should get the max of 30 years.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jean Anne Wilson on February 2, 2026 20:21
I agree with this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Linda Vealey on February 2, 2026 20:19
She was a young lady just starting her life. She was just married and wanted to start a family. She as an asset to her community. Her life was cut short by an impaired driver. The law needs to be more harsh for impaired drivers causing death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Caitlin Bleigh on February 2, 2026 20:19
I agree with this bill because a lot of people drink and drive and don’t get any consequences for their actions and keep doing it over and over and end up killing people or themselves.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Gabrielle Morgan on February 2, 2026 20:19
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Destiny Stewart on February 2, 2026 20:18
I firmly believe that Baylea’s Law must be passed. Baylea’s life was stolen by a drunk driver—an entirely preventable choice that left a family and community forever changed. No sentence of 3 to 15 years can ever equal the value of a life lost, nor does it truly reflect the lifelong pain imposed on loved ones who are forced to live without their child, sibling, or friend.
Drunk driving is not an accident—it is a decision. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, knowing the risk, and that choice results in the death of another human being, the consequences must be stronger and more meaningful. Baylea’s Law represents accountability, justice, and the recognition that a life taken deserves more than a sentence that minimizes the harm done.
Passing Baylea’s Law has the power to save lives. It sends a clear message that our society will no longer treat fatal drunk driving as a lesser crime. It can deter reckless decisions, bring a stronger sense of justice to grieving families, and help prevent other parents from ever experiencing the unimaginable pain of losing a child the way Baylea’s family did.
Baylea mattered. Her life mattered. And passing this law ensures her legacy becomes one of change, protection, and hope—so that fewer lives are stolen and fewer families are left broken by choices that should never be made
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Savannah Adkins on February 2, 2026 20:18
This should absolutely be put into effect because there is people living their lives without their loved ones all because of someone deciding to drink and drive. Three years is just not enough and most of the time people don’t even get that. I am sure that if somebody killed your loved one while drinking and driving, you would not want to see them walking around freely after just three short years!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Karen Daniel on February 2, 2026 20:18
Please pass Baylea’s law. Stronger penalties may cause individuals to plan ahead when drinking and get a designated driver or at least think twice before getting behind the wheel intoxicated. Increased penalties may also help the victims families to feel that justice has been served and begin to heal from the trauma caused by the drunk/impaired driver. You must remember this: the victim’s family has been served a life sentence. The impaired driver deserves more than a measly 3 years.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Layla Ayers on February 2, 2026 20:18
I am fully in support of Baylea’s Law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Hayley Varney on February 2, 2026 20:17
I encourage the passing of Baylea’s law. It is not fair to innocent families for those under the influence to do whatever they please with no regard to anyone else. Innocent families are impacted forever by their choices while they get by with a max sentencing of 15 years. This needs to change.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shamia Brown on February 2, 2026 20:16
Baylea was my cousin she did not deserve what happened to her. Pass this bill to help protect others! JUSTICE FOR BAYLEA
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ciara Waine on February 2, 2026 20:15
Baylea was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Regardless of the outcome, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is always intentional. An intoxicated person never has to get behind the wheel; they choose to do so. In my opinion, even this new proposed maximum sentence is still not enough, especially when a life is lost. Please consider this proposition in honor of Baylea.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Robin copley on February 2, 2026 20:15
I vote YES for this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Duwan Lovejoy on February 2, 2026 20:15
I agree with the bill as it is stated.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bethany Mitchem on February 2, 2026 20:15
The law should be 30 years max. If not more. People need real consequences for their actions and not a slap on the wrist. Do better West Virginia. Pass this law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christopher S Rider II on February 2, 2026 20:14
I stand with this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jennifer Dent on February 2, 2026 20:14
Baylea was an important person in the lives of many people and she should be here living her life. People who do not think twice about driving under the influence need to be given stiffer penalties so we can avert losses like our sweet Baylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cami Hodges on February 2, 2026 20:13
This may help save more people if there are more consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alayjah Lawhorn on February 2, 2026 20:13
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cameron mark woodrum on February 2, 2026 20:12
Such a selfish act should be taken more seriously to prevent future deaths.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Torri Slentz on February 2, 2026 20:11
I didn’t personally know Baylea, but I KNOW that she mattered and still matters. Every person who has died at the hands of an impaired driver, mattered. A maximum sentence of 15 years, for the loss of life, is an injustice and is unacceptable. Every life matters. That is why I’m signing. For those who I know and those who I don’t.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kaitlyn Hatley on February 2, 2026 20:11
This bill absolutely needs to be passed to protect the people who choose not to drive impaired yet suffer the consequences in some cases and hopefully cut down on the rates of those who do choose to drive while impaired.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Michael Lovejoy on February 2, 2026 20:11
I totally support this bill as we need much stiffer penalties for those who choose to drive under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Joshua Nichols on February 2, 2026 20:10
Joshua Nichols I agree with this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jamie shanklin on February 2, 2026 20:10
I support this bill to double the sentence in DUI resulting in death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christina jarrell on February 2, 2026 20:10
I believe if you take a life you should spend the rest of yours in jail away from your family and friends
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nancy Turner on February 2, 2026 20:09
I totally agree with this,……do the crime….serve the time….a beautiful soul is gone because of a bad decision……JUSTICE FOR BAYLEA
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Rosona Petry on February 2, 2026 20:09
Please pass this bill hopefully it will make people think a little more before being careless. We have to take a stand for those that have already lost their lives due to drunk drivers and hopefully save innocent lives in the future.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tori Nelson on February 2, 2026 20:09
This law is highly needed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim Smith on February 2, 2026 20:08
Please make this change, hopefully it will stop this from happening anymore.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Allison Jeffries on February 2, 2026 20:08
This needs put into action IMMEDIATELY
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mikayla Hanna on February 2, 2026 20:07
Three to fifteen years for DUI causing death is not long enough. DUI are 100 percent preventable. There is no “accidents” when it comes to DUI crimes.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jill Gentry on February 2, 2026 20:07
Destiny Lester while driving impaired took the life of Baylea Bower. Baylea was loved by all that knew her & is incredibly missed. Please change the minimum sentences!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jaslynn Snodgrass on February 2, 2026 20:07
I support Baylea’s Law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bridgette on February 2, 2026 20:07
Passing this law should help save some lives, too many people are killed by drunk drivers every year.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Judith Dawson on February 2, 2026 20:06
Please pass this bill this was a very well known and loved young lady that lost her life way to soon we all are heart broken.
Something needs to be done with the underage drinking an the drugs in our state. Just to think if this could have been your child.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alexandra Elswick on February 2, 2026 20:06
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah Thompson on February 2, 2026 20:06
I strongly encourage this bill be passed in hopes it will makes individuals think twice about driving under the influence!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany Price on February 2, 2026 20:06
A minimum of 3 years is a slap to the face for the family and friends of loved ones that are taken from them due to someone's decision to drive under the influence. Even 6 years isn't long enough but it is progress.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa Belcher on February 2, 2026 20:05
I FULLY support changing bill 4712. To be under the influence of anything that impairs your ability to drive, yet you still decide to and someone else and their families lives are changed forever, you should be held accountable to the highest degree of punishment.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kaitlin Boytek on February 2, 2026 20:03
To our Legislators,
It’s sad that it took someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s sister and someone’s friend to bring something like this law to the table. Our system is supposed to work for us and help us in making things safer for ourselves and for our families. Passing this law would be the perfect step in the right direction to help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. It may not always stop them, but it will at least make them think twice. It shouldn’t be so easy to commit murder from a conscience choice to drive under the influence and then receive little to no punishment for the crime. You should ask yourself how you would feel if it was your daughter, your wife, your sister or your friend. If that were the case, I bet your own signature would be beside ours. We elect you to hear us and to help us in moments like this. We show up for you and it’s time you do your part and show up for us. Show up for Baylea and for her family and pray that it’s never you trying to pass a law for your daughter.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim kirk on February 2, 2026 20:02
I hope this pass.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Aliyah foley on February 2, 2026 20:02
I personally think more thinks like this should be taken seriously, and have more consequences. Including dui’s with babies in the car etc.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Eliza Cooper on February 2, 2026 20:02
Bayleas Law needs to pass! The current sentence is not fair to the families destroyed by the childish choice of drunk driving.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kacee on February 2, 2026 20:01
Hopefully longer sentencing and higher fines will make others reconsider before getting behind the wheel under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany Vance on February 2, 2026 20:01
I agree with the bill. Nobody should ever drink and drive, it’s very dangerous. Someone’s always dying from drunk drivers.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Holly crockett on February 2, 2026 20:01
This law needs to be passed! It might save someone else’s life since it was unable to save Baylea’s. It might help people reconsider getting behind the wheel while impaired.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Timothy on February 2, 2026 20:01
I think it should be passed cause taking a life for a small decision. Make plans to stay where u are or sober up before u leave.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Dreama peros on February 2, 2026 20:00
Drunk drivers need more years
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alva Lynn Reilley on February 2, 2026 20:00
Please pass this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Emily Balser on February 2, 2026 19:59
This bill should be passed because if you knowingly drive impaired, you are knowingly risking someone’s WHOLE LIFE. Someone loses a whole family member/spouse/child/etc. They will never see them again due to a choice that you made.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Elizabeth Tallman on February 2, 2026 19:59
I strongly support House Bill 4712. Strengthening penalties for DUI offenses that result in death is a necessary step to promote accountability and deterrence. Impaired driving is a choice, and the consequences should reflect the irreversible harm caused to victims and their families. I support House Bill 4712 in honor of Baylea and her family. No family should suffer a preventable loss due to impaired driving. I urge the Judiciary Committee to advance this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alyssa on February 2, 2026 19:58
Absolutely!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Carlos Masingo on February 2, 2026 19:58
As someone who has zero tolerance for drunk/impaired driving, I fully support increasing the consequences for doing so, if anything as a deterrent to future potential offenders.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mildred Barker on February 2, 2026 19:56
My brother was killed by someone that had been drinking, but alcohol didn't show at time of accident
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lil Marie on February 2, 2026 19:56
Baylea was RUDE AND MEAN to me all through out elementary middle and high school she doesn’t need her own special bill all because she decided she needed to drive at a specific time!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tarin Harrah on February 2, 2026 19:55
Drunk driving should have a greater punishment. Putting lives at risk due to selfish behavior is avoidable. No one should be unjust due to the choices of another committing a crime.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Marissa Copenhaver on February 2, 2026 19:55
Something that should’ve been changed long ago, we shouldn’t have to lose innocent people because others make selfish decisions. Baylea should be here, Baylea should be living her life with her friends and family.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jeremiah noyes on February 2, 2026 19:54
Dui is a severely under punished crime and should have higher standards of punishment for the offenders to protect out communities
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Robin Thomas on February 2, 2026 19:54
I fully support this.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chad Barker on February 2, 2026 19:54
The law should be passed. These kinds of crimes should not go without a fitting punishment. This was my wife’s cousins wife. Our little girl adored Baylea, the whole family did. Don’t let her death be in vain.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Julie Massey on February 2, 2026 19:54
Taking a life from behind the wheel while impaired is still taking a life!! There has to be more accountability for this action or it will never end!! The current minimum and maximum sentence is a joke. This state really needs to give impaired drivers something to think about, something for them to lose if they choose to drive when they shouldn’t!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kelli Bell on February 2, 2026 19:53
To whom it may concern:
Baylea was a vibrant young woman who was also a daughter, sister, Aunt, wife, friend, and business owner. Her life was stolen from those who love her and the community that she loved by someone who chose to drive intoxicated. The maximum sentence that will be served is 15 years. This person is still able to see their family and enjoy holidays. Baylea had that stolen from her. Never again will this happen.
Fifteen years, the maximum sentence, is not long enough for those who make this choice. The sentence needs to be extended. If harsher penalties are implemented and enforced drivers will be less likely to drive while intoxicated. Any choice that involves a death deserves a harsh penalty. Please take this into consideration so that maybe another family won't have to feel the pain that the Craig & Bower families and friends of Baylea do at this time. On February 12, the date of the sentencing of Destiny Lester, the one who caused Baylea's death, think about what if that were my child I buried? Would I want the person that caused her death out in as little as 3 years? Or at most 15? I ask that you vote in support of this bill.
Thank you,
Kelli Bell
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Judy Kinder on February 2, 2026 19:53
Lives are devastated by the negligent users of drugs and alcohol. The consequences for their behavior is often times negotiated behind the closed doors of our legal system while the families who've lost their loved ones are left to carry on. Trying to justify their age or ignorance with lesser time served solves nothing! Longer sentences would be a deterrent for many, one year of manditory drug rehabilitation prior to release would be a step in the right as well.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chasity Foster on February 2, 2026 19:53
I fully support the passing of this bill. My own brother almost killed a mother and daughter when he was in his 20s and only seen the inside of a jail cell for a day, then only had to pay fines and take a dui class. He received multiple DUIs and the longest sentence he faced was 30 days on house arrest. My friend in high school lost her baby cousin to an intoxicated driver. He was barely 2 years old. He didnt even serve a year. This needs to change sooner than later. Operating a vehicle impaired and taking another life should hold the same consequences as premeditated murder. No one consumes alcohol or substances and gets behind the wheel not knowing it is dangerous and could hurt or kill someone. They do it without any regard to the possible consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Amanda Craig on February 2, 2026 19:53
Losing my sister law to a drunk/high driver has been the most difficult and heartbreaking thing I've ever faced. Baylea deserved so much more to life than for hers to end this way, but she and every other victim of DUI deserve justice! This law would show West Virginia and surrounding states that we take this matter seriously. We need a change!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Katelyn Myers on February 2, 2026 19:52
Please, take time to consider the fact that there are innocent lives being taken because somebody makes a careless choice to drive under the influence. Hopefully this law will get passed and cause others to pause and reconsider what the consequences might be.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany on February 2, 2026 19:52
The law needs changed to prevent someone else from loosing their life to a drunk driver