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Public Comments

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Logan on February 2, 2026 19:52
I fully support this bill. I do not think that drug charges deserve more time in prison than someone who carelessly takes another life by getting behind the wheel impaired. Maybe if we stop giving a slap on the wrist for DUI causing death we could show society that it’s not right. ITS NOT OKAY TO KILL SOMEONES MOM, DAD, SON, DAUGHTER, AUNT, UNLCE, BROTHER, SISTER, COUSIN. LOVED ONE.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Katelyn Helmandollar on February 2, 2026 19:51
This should already be a law. I have a four year old and a two year old, I drive the same road 5 days a week that Baylea was on when she was killed. That could have been me, that could have been my children, that could’ve been you, that could’ve been your children. Why is it that if their life was cut short due to a selfish decision, the person who caused that death gets a chance to walk free? Destany Lester has been walking free for 10 months. 10 months ago she killed Baylea, and she has been sitting at home living her life, while every single one of Baylea’s family are living in a nightmare. Why is the minimum sentence only 3 years, why is the maximum only 15, when the people who suffer the loss are sentenced to a lifetime of pain? It is not an accident to have a DUI resulting in death, it is a chain of bad choices. The choice to drink, the choice to get behind the wheel, the choice to push the gas peddle. These are all choices you make, while knowing the consequences could mean your death, or the death of another. The minimum should be more than 3 years, the maximum should be more than 15 years, especially when there is ample evidence a person has drank and drive more than once. People scream it was unintentional, but if you know the consequences and do it anyway, how is it not? Please, consider passing this law. For me, for my babies, for their babies to come, for you, for your family, and for every single person who will ever face this situation.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Garrett on February 2, 2026 19:51
I don’t see why they shouldn’t push this bill through.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Savannah Kniceley on February 2, 2026 19:50
I believe that this bill should absolutely be passed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Stacie on February 2, 2026 19:50
Dont let this pass by, Do what’s right!!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alexis VanDyke on February 2, 2026 19:49
Baylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah Niday on February 2, 2026 19:48
The loss of Baylea to a drunk driver is a heartbreaking reminder that impaired driving is not an accident—it is a preventable choice with irreversible consequences. No family or community should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one because existing laws failed to deter reckless behavior. Passing stronger legislation in Baylea’s name would honor her life by prioritizing accountability, strengthening penalties for impaired driving, and expanding prevention measures to protect innocent lives. This law would stand as a commitment that our community values safety, responsibility, and the right of every person to make it home alive.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Samantha Stowers on February 2, 2026 19:48
She should still be here!  The sentencing for this type of murder is not enough.  People will not stop until there is true punishment.   Baylea’s husband should not be living in their brand new home alone.   Her parents should have never had to put her to rest.  This should have never happened and the one responsible should get double AT LEAST.   I believe this is a must, not just for this instance.  For every innocent life lost to a selfish person driving under the influence.  Completely avoidable.  In my opinion she should never be free again.  Her carelessness and inability to think about anyone but herself and the time she was having took a LIFE.   Imagine it were your child, sibling or parent.   Please make punishment more.  For the sake of every family that’s had to grieve the avoidable loss of a loved one.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jade Lewis on February 2, 2026 19:48
Please pass this bill! As a provider I have seen too many families suffer the loss from people driving under the influence! There is not a big enough sentence to bring justice to these people but increasing the time is a start.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Selena jones on February 2, 2026 19:47
  1. I absolutely  hope this bill gets pasted
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Misty on February 2, 2026 19:47
Justice for Baylea💙💙💙💙
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: April on February 2, 2026 19:46
Yes Baylea law
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah on February 2, 2026 19:46
This law definitely needs passed to increase the minimum penalty for dui. When lives are taken, there should be a harsher sentence
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jenny Elswick on February 2, 2026 19:46
Please pass this bill..stricter laws need to be passed to try to get control of the situation with drinking and driving and especially if there is a death
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christina Bower on February 2, 2026 19:46

Baylea Bower is my daughter-n-law and one of the most precious young ladies there ever was! Her and our son had only been married 6months but she was /is his soulmate. Nothing will ever fix this but passing this law may very well make people think twice and make better decisions and choices before they get behind the wheel and selfishly take the life of a loved one 💙 A life that belongs to someone else and families that have to live with the bad choices of someone else !

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brooklynn thomas on February 2, 2026 19:46
  1. Brooklynn Thomas
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tony Sutherland on February 2, 2026 19:45
I vote yes
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sydney Johnson on February 2, 2026 19:45
Please consider passing the following bill being presented. Keep our children safe and hold drunk drivers to the highest standards for the consequences of their actions.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Summer Harvey on February 2, 2026 19:44
This one was my high school cheer coach. Baylea was one of the best people and did not deserve any of what she got nor her AMAZING family! They deserve justice and finally lay all of this to rest for there sweet baby!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Britney Mundy on February 2, 2026 19:44
Hello! I’m writing you asking you to support Baylea’s law 4712! Baylea was like my sister! Our parents are best friends and I was there the day she was born. We quickly became the best of friends! She was also my daughter’s God Mother. Baylea was married in October and was planning to grow her family through IVF. She just moved into her new house and started a new business in Boone County. Her little coffee shop quickly became the heart of the town and a place young women and mothers could spend time. Baylea was very caring and loved everyone! She was killed by a drunk driver on April 20, 2025. My world stopped that day and I have been heart broken even since. I hope that you could support this bill and help keep Baylea’s memory alive. Thank you for your time! Britney Mundy (304)539-1921
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Heather Baisden on February 2, 2026 19:44
N/A
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: jaicee on February 2, 2026 19:44
we need justice for bailey, i also think this is a very smart decision due to the fact that there is so much drunk driving and you never know the outcome at the end of the night.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa holstein on February 2, 2026 19:44
Pass this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Zelda Craig on February 2, 2026 19:44
My daughter is Baylea Nevada Craig Bower and she was killed by a drunk and cocaine impaired driver. My families lives were forever changed Easter Sunday April 20, 2025. The current laws are insulting to anyone that loses someone because of DUI  causing death. There needs to be changes, not for revenge but to make these drivers be held accountable for their decisions and actions. My family has received a life sentence while the girl that killed her has been sitting at her home awaiting arrest or sentencing. The current laws need changed so other families don’t have to deal with a loss so horrific. Please vote to have this law passed 💙
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ryan Wolf on February 2, 2026 19:44
If this law has the potential to save 1 life, it’s worth it!! Pass Baylea’s law!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Justin Clendenin on February 2, 2026 19:43
West Virginia’s current sentencing structure for DUI causing death is out of step with many other states. Jurisdictions such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona authorize penalties of 20 to 30 years or more when intoxicated driving results in a fatality. Those statutes recognize that impaired driving is a voluntary act with foreseeable, catastrophic consequences. Under current WV law, a 15-year maximum often fails to reflect the severity of the harm or the permanent loss suffered by victims’ families. Often only 3-5 years is handed down in WV in these type cases. Baylea’s Law does not eliminate judicial discretion. It simply adjusts the statutory range to better match the seriousness of the offense and aligns West Virginia with widely accepted sentencing standards nationwide. Deterrence, proportional punishment, and public safety are legitimate legislative interests. Increasing penalties for DUI resulting in death directly serves those goals. This proposal is a measured response, not an extreme one, and deserves serious consideration. I support Baylea’s Law. Justin Clendenin
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany Landers on February 2, 2026 19:43
We absolutely need to pass this bill and put it into law. DUI causing death is 100% preventable and I truly believe that harsher sentences will make people second guess, before getting behind the wheel drunk, and will send a message.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Janie Belcher on February 2, 2026 19:43
Please pass this law so no other family has to go through this much heartache.  
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kelly Claypool on February 2, 2026 19:43
I fully support this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Rose Ann Smith on February 2, 2026 19:43
This needs serious consideration!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Charlotte Sutphin on February 2, 2026 19:43
This law should have been passed before now.  Too many people killed by drunk and impaired drivers.   Maybe if the law changes more people would consider and not drive drunk.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Amanda Adkins on February 2, 2026 19:43
Please consider a harsher punishment for DUI, and mandatory counseling.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim Britton on February 2, 2026 19:42
This girl and family deserve this to be passed!!! No family should go through loosing their love one all due to someone being irresponsible.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kayla Milam on February 2, 2026 19:42
Prayers for the Craig family!!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Emma Martin on February 2, 2026 19:42

Please consider passing this bill to ensure people think twice before getting behind the wheel intoxicated. Baylea was such a bright light in the lives of so many people and the person responsible - and anyone who makes the same decision - should face the strictest consequences to ensure it doesnt happen again.

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Faith on February 2, 2026 19:41
I was not a friend of Baylea’s, nor did I ever meet her but her accident changed my life. I am a registered nurse in an emergency department, so whenever baylea’s accident occurred, I felt all of the emotions from an empathetic point of view. Taking care of patients and being driven by doing so, I tend to wonder how the patient, victim, etc. would feel of these events. It is just how I am wired. I am not in any position of law, I am not a grieving family member or friend. I am an outsider who understands the true damage these accidents take on a human, their loved ones, and how life altering these accidents become in just a few moments. I treat those, and try to save their life. I am here to fully support this law. Many lives are lost from under the influence accidents, and it is truly not any different than a planned, thought out - murder. Those under the influence are aware of the risk that follows getting behind the wheel. Lives are being lost - not due to their own decisions, recklessness, or temptations of such. Those at fault for said accidents should be charged to the fullest extent of the law, because that is how you treat a murderer. Thank you
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Adam Johnson on February 2, 2026 19:41
Pass Baylea’s  law. Enhance laws and enforce more harsh punishment for those who provide willingly and knowingly to underage children.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Andrea Stover on February 2, 2026 19:41
A life was taking due to someone choosing to drink and drive. It’s absolutely heartbreaking
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kayla Harvey on February 2, 2026 19:40
Sentence time for drunk driving deserves to be changed. Drunk drivers are taking the lives of innocent people. They deserve to be held accountable.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chelsea Smith on February 2, 2026 19:40
Baylea’s law should be put into place the raise the fines and sentence lengths for driving under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brooke Bowman on February 2, 2026 19:40
This needs to be passed
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Steve Lewis on February 2, 2026 19:39
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 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: Stephanie Epling on February 2, 2026 19:38
I absolutely believe that anyone who chooses to drive drunk and ultimately take a life deserves the full punishment. We all know better and it is a choice to drink and drive. An innocent person shouldn’t lose their life due to the selfishness of another. Families shouldn’t have to grieve forever while the guilty gets a slap on the wrist.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: leah sanchez on February 2, 2026 19:38
PASS THIS BILL #justice for baylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brinlee on February 2, 2026 19:38
i agree with this, and believe it should be a law from here on out!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany Havens on February 2, 2026 19:38
I support this bill as a mother, friend, wife, daughter and sister. As someone who has watched close friends suffer from the loss of a young loved one due to a senseless act.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mollie Petry on February 2, 2026 19:38
This is not an accident it’s a selfish choice that people make to drink and drive. Something should have been changed long ago and maybe this young lady wouldn’t have lost her life. The girl that hit her was a repeat offender. Pls do something in her name to make a difference for others.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Rikki Miller on February 2, 2026 19:38

I could never image what Baylee's parents are dealing with. This law needs to pass, the fact someone could be so careless to drive while impaired is wild to me. Especially when a life can be lost!

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Carrie Perdue on February 2, 2026 19:38
  1. I am very fortunate to not know the impacts of DUI causing death personally, but I do know several families that unfortunately do know how devastating it is to have someone carelessly making the choice to drive impaired.  I agree 100% with passing this into law.  Honestly, I feel a maximum sentence of 30 years isn’t even enough when someone recklessly makes the choice to drive so impaired that they take an innocent life.  But in regards to the current bill being purposed, they absolutely should pass it unanimously!!  15 years is hardly enough punishment for killing somebody.  They made choices that took someone’s life, they should stay behind bars long enough that they could never have the chance to live a life more fulfilled than the one they selfishly took!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa Breeden on February 2, 2026 19:38
There needs to be more accountability when you drink and get behind the wheel and kill innocent people.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Virginia Gillespie on February 2, 2026 19:37
There needs to much stiffer punishment they need to be held accountable for their actions  the person that killed this young lady  also tested positive for  unlawful drugs plus alcohol and   Withen 3 to. 4 months. She was posting on socal media of going to partying with friends  This problem is to common  and before sentencing most are on home confinement
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Curtis Workman on February 2, 2026 19:37
Enforcing Baylea’s law makes the most sense. Driving under the influence is a completely preventable CHOICE. Stronger sentencing acknowledges the seriousness of taking a life through impaired driving and may deter future tragedies. Accountability saves lives.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jennifer Kinder on February 2, 2026 19:37
Please make this a new law! I worked in the interlock department at the WVDMV for along time and I didn’t see where the laws were have now are doing any good.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa Bowne on February 2, 2026 19:36
I fully agree and support this bill!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kelsie lanham on February 2, 2026 19:36
This bill should be passed to be more of a deterrent to driving under the influence. Driving under the influence is bad enough, much less injuring or killing another person who has nothing to do with your decision to get behind the wheel. That’s why I believe this bill should be passed without question.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jeffrey Garner on February 2, 2026 19:36
Bailey’s law should be passed. The current punishment is not suitable for the heinous nature of the crime.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah on February 2, 2026 19:36
Pass bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tonda Johnson on February 2, 2026 19:35
Please pass The Bailea’s Bill into law.  It is important that those making a horrible decision of operating a vehicle under the influence pay for harming another.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: rodney reid on February 2, 2026 19:34
i fully support this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Dara Harmon on February 2, 2026 19:34
Any driver under the influence and above the legal limit who chooses to take the wheel deserves jail time. Any driver who drives while under the influence and above the legal limit and also MURDERS someone due to their poor choices deserves life in prison. There has to be a change, there cannot be a murderer walking free in any circumstance. This law will be some sort of Justice for the young lady who lost her life, and also Justice for anyone else who has lost their life or their quality of life due to an impaired driver. This could also incite fear in those who want to take the wheel, maybe they will think of the serious repercussions they would face.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Hailee Cavender on February 2, 2026 19:33
This law should absolutely be enforced. Driving under the influence is a conscious choice that can permanently destroy innocent lives and families. Current sentencing does not even begin to reflect the severity or lifelong impact of these preventable deaths. Increasing the penalties holds offenders accountable and makes it clear that impaired driving will not be tolerated. Stronger consequences for these completely preventable actions can save lives by making people think even just a little harder about getting behind the wheel while impaired. Baylea’s law is about accountability, justice, and prevention which is something we so clearly need.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mackenzie cooper on February 2, 2026 19:32
this bill should be passed! Nobody should drive under the influence and be let off the hook.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Pam Vickers on February 2, 2026 19:32
I do hope this law passes, to many lives has been taken due to drinking and driving
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alisha Treadway on February 2, 2026 19:32
.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alice Latorre on February 2, 2026 19:32
I definitely agree with this bill!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Izabella Johnson on February 2, 2026 19:31
Justice for Baylea and for all who have been impacted by drinking and driving 💙
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Stephanie Gibson on February 2, 2026 19:31
I implore each and every member of this legislature to pass Baylea’s Law.  A beautiful, kind, and loving young lady was tragically taken away from her family and friends by an intoxicated young person. The penalty for drinking and driving needs to be increased, especially when an innocent person is killed by that intoxicated driver! 🙏🏻 ❤️Baylea❤️
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bethany Shope on February 2, 2026 19:28
This bill is important to prevent future preventable accidents and death. It could make someone think twice before getting behind the wheel under the influence and killing themselves or someone else.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shayla Terry on February 2, 2026 19:28
I support this law to the fullest extent. No one should ever have to lose a loved one due to someone else’s foolish decisions, more less have to sit back and watch while said person would hardly be punished for such a crime. The law should be stricter on this charge.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Savannah wix on February 2, 2026 19:28

Let’s press the issue to get a law for baylea! This girl deserves justice and to be remembered. Let’s not give up on this beautiful young lady who was taken by a drunk driver also under the influence of cocaine when she had no business driving or doing drugs/alcohol. Anyone who provided this girl deserves just as much time as she gets

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christina Herrell on February 2, 2026 19:27
Please pass this important bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jill McCormick on February 2, 2026 19:26
This law needs to be changed as soon as possible. What this family has gone through is unbearable. I can’t imagine their pain. The laws for someone selling and or giving alcohol to an underaged person needs to be more strict also. Please pass this into law as quick as possible. No family should have to see the person that decided to get behind a vehicle and kill their innocent family member out walking around free. .
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kelsey estep on February 2, 2026 19:26
Wv needs harsher punishment for DUI offenders.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Terri Dawn Williams on February 2, 2026 19:25
  1. DUI laws should be harsher.  We have people with multiple DUIs resulting in death and we should make it harder for them to get out and do it again
  2. nothing will ever bring Baylea or any person that had died as the result of dui and the victims family suffer for the rest of their lives
  3. I understand that people should be forgiven but they should pay for what they have done first.  Make them think again before getting behind a wheel drinking and driving
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kara woody on February 2, 2026 19:25
This law absolutely needs passed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lynn Kelley on February 2, 2026 19:25
A young life taken because a person chose to drive a vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol, this girl knew what she was doing when she got behind the wheel of that vehicle, I have 3 daughters and o can’t imagine losing one due to stupidity of being high and not thinking before she got behind the wheel of a vehicle, punishment should be the max , not just a slap on the hand . It is a shame she is not here, everyone needs to push for Bayleas law to be put into place .
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ashley Conaway on February 2, 2026 19:25
No one should be aloud to drink and drive and take a life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jacob Bishop on February 2, 2026 19:25
Negligence leading to one’s death in this context should be treated, in my opinion, the same as second degree murder. As a matter of fact, I think it is worse, since there is a higher degree of premeditation when getting behind the wheel drunk than there might be involved in a murder of the second degree. This conclusion- that DUI leading to death should be considered equal to or worse than second degree murder- leads me to believe that increasing the sentencing to a minimum of 6 years is a bare minimum change and, in my opinion, is actually still entirely insufficient punishment. These families deserve to see justice delivered in a proportionate manner.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Halie Snuffer on February 2, 2026 19:24
I believe the minimum penalty should be more than the current. People need to be aware of the lives they can take and damage by driving impaired. It is a choice
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Renee Duncan on February 2, 2026 19:23
I pray this bill passes. So many people have lost loved ones due to this kind selfish behavior. I feel this could save lives, due to having stricter laws.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cierra Slentz on February 2, 2026 19:23
Baylea’s law should be put in order to not only save lives but honor the life that was sadly taken. Baylea was a beautiful soul who loved life and is greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Drinking and Driving is not an accident. It’s a choice that is made by many and sadly many suffer in the hands of those who choose to do it. Please consider doubling the sentencing for not only Baylea but everyone else who has and sadly will suffer from Driving under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Heather Meadows on February 2, 2026 19:23
PLEASE pass this!! 3-15 years is no where near enough time for someone to serve for taking someone’s LIFE!!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Emma Blankenship on February 2, 2026 19:23
I believe this bill will benefit West Virginia. Baylea was from my area. Her death has had a major impact on the community.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: becky ballard on February 2, 2026 19:23
Please we desperately need stricter laws. Please research all the requirements and make this happen!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Stephanie Massey on February 2, 2026 19:23
Please pass this bill. DUI causing death is criminal.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Susan Johnson on February 2, 2026 19:23
I knew Baylea as a student at Sherman High School. She was a loving and caring person during her time at school and even after
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Carli Vance on February 2, 2026 19:22
Baylea was a wonderful friend & person. she deserves this law to pass. her passing took a huge toll on communities all around WV.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah C. Davis on February 2, 2026 19:22
Please consider this bill so that people may think twice before they drink and drive.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Misty Dunfee on February 2, 2026 19:21
This increased penalties for this crime are long overdue. Driving under the influence is a choice and a crime. When your choices take the life of an innocent person their family gets a life sentence. A life of pain, and heartbreak that will never stop. I think the punishment should be the same life in prison but doubling the current punishment is a good start.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ethel Austin on February 2, 2026 19:21
Baylea was an incredible person and cheer coach.  Baylea went above and beyond for those she knew and didn’t to make there day better.  I think this specific bill need enacted to replace the old one.  While our family and friends, as well as your family and friends are not replaceable, this bill would make someone think twice before driving impaired or intoxicated.  When you think about passing this bill, think of all of the grieving families both past and present who lost someone too soon because of carelessness.  Be a voice and justice for Baylea and others that are in the same situation.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Layla Smerecansky on February 2, 2026 19:20
Baylea's law has been presented to the West Virginia Legislature as of this week. Baylea's law will double the sentencing for DUI causing death. The sentence currently is a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 15. This new law would change sentencing minimum 6 years and a maximum of 30 years. Baylea's law would also double the fines. Changing this law SHOULD make someone reconsider before getting behind the wheel impaired. I fully support Baylea’s law being passed into law as soon as possible.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lacie Manns on February 2, 2026 19:20
I went to high-school and cheered with Baylea. What happened to her is an awful tragedy, but to know that the responsible person may only get 3 to 15 years of their life altered is a slap in the face. Baylea’s family and friends will be affected by this for the rest of their lives. The punishment should fit the crime.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Martina Bailey on February 2, 2026 19:19
Baylea was taken from a life long friend of mine, her husband, Caleb should not be a widow. They were just starting a life together.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tammy Adkins on February 2, 2026 19:19
Something needs changed
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brianna Petty on February 2, 2026 19:18
Great idea!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Morgan on February 2, 2026 19:17
I 100% believe that people charged with such, should face harsher punishments. Someone being reckless and causing an innocent person to lose their entire life.. to never get to experience life. Then for the person that CHOSE to drink & drive only spend a minimum of 3 years.. no where near long enough in my personal opinion
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: jazmine on February 2, 2026 19:16
i know bayleas killer, we were friends. she truly don’t care about what she did. she’s asked me if i wanted to drink with her since it all happened. her nor her family will show any remorse. the day court was rescheduled her mother was on tiktok live chatting with friends.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jo Beth Statom on February 2, 2026 19:16
Drunk driving is something that is a serious issue, that is not reprimanded nearly extensive enough.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Grace on February 2, 2026 19:16
On behalf of the Baylea Law, I strongly support the proposal of a longer incarceration for individuals who are convicted due to a DUI causing death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah Renninger on February 2, 2026 19:14
Please pass Bayleas bill as it can save many lives.. Baylea was a beautiful soul taken way too soon that could’ve been prevented… Changing the sentencing time would make a huge impact on persuading others not to get behind the wheel intoxicated.