Public Comments
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tressie L Coleman on February 5, 2026 08:28
I am hopeful this bill will be passed for those that died for it.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Betty Ann Williams on February 5, 2026 03:56
I support Baylea’s Law because the punishment for drunk driving needs to increase. I have known Baylea and her family for many years. This law could keep someone from being killed by a drunk driver if the penalty was stricter. Thank you!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Madison Hatfield on February 5, 2026 03:28
I agree with this law and I think it should become in effect.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kristian on February 5, 2026 02:01
This bill should be passed to prosecute those who so choose to recklessly drink and drive along with driving while on drugs. By doing this you are risking your own life along with others. A young woman underage killed Bailey because she was drunk and was also driving. Because of that girls actions an innocent young soul lost her life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sierra Edwards on February 5, 2026 01:44
- This law should be passed. The current minimum and maximum sentences are too low and outdated. The fines should be doubled too.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ava on February 5, 2026 00:28
Please pass this!!!!! why should such a childish, selfish person get to live their life free for killing innocent people over making a horrible selfish decision to drink and drive!!!!! Lock them up!!!!! #justiceforbaylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: DEVONNA J. Pauley on February 4, 2026 23:28
I committed the offense of driving under the influence back in 1999 thank goodness my lack of care or concern for myself or others didn’t take the life of an innocent person. I paid my dues for the poor decision but, did that make me decide to never do it again? Absolutely not! I have done it on several occasions since then but, by the grace of God I didn’t hurt anyone or myself while driving impaired. I will say this, if my actions would have cost the life of anyone else I don’t know what I would have done and thankfully I didn’t have to find out and if the penalty would have been the minimum of six years which is what this bill is proposing I definitely would not have driven again impaired and can promise that I will never drive impaired again not only because of the proposal of this bill but also because of the grace of God. The laws definitely need to be revised and punishment needs to be greater for those that do not have the fear of harming others because of their senseless and careless actions.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cassidy Castle on February 4, 2026 23:24
Fully support the bill to double fines and sentencing for DUI involving death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brandy Hall on February 4, 2026 23:23
Baylee was a kind sweet soul that was taken too early. Things need to change. Impaired drivers need to be held responsible
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mechelle Dunlap on February 4, 2026 23:13
Prayers that this bill passes.
2026 Regular Session HB4725 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Devonda Davis on February 4, 2026 22:48
I am asking you to Please Pass Bill 4725.WV is seeing an enormous amount of animal abuse cases.Its time to take animal abuse/cruelty serious and to start putting the abusers behind bars.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: James on February 4, 2026 22:42
Passing this law is way past due we lost our daughter in April and the girl that hit her and kill her is home with her family and has been since the accident. I’m with the laws as weak as they are. She probably won’t get much time at all from killing our daughter 3 to 10 years. She most likely will get three years with half of that off. What kind of punishment is that for someone who has taken our beautiful daughter away miss forever. People need to be held accountable for their actions. Use this as an example to set that we want change we need to for laws in West Virginia for driving drunk, causing death. We need stronger lies for driving drunk.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Michelle Browning on February 4, 2026 22:29
I support this 100%. Baylea was a beautiful soul who had so much life left to live but she fell victim to the ignorance of another person who made a selfish decision and Baylea sadly paid the ultimate price. Penalties need to be stiffer for DUI causing death because there are no excuses.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lita Ryan on February 4, 2026 22:26
One drives impaired by choice. Then causes a death by choice. That’s murder.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ashley Fraley on February 4, 2026 22:11
I support this.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: kaycee thorne on February 4, 2026 22:05
i never knew baylea personally but i knew her friends and from all the loving stories i heard about her i know deep down she deserves justice. there are many victims daily who lose their lives due to people being impaired and getting behind the wheel and not a single soul deserves to not see the next day because of someone’s stupid actions. this law would help so many families and loved ones feel that their children can get the justice they need.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Angela Stewart on February 4, 2026 21:59
I pray this law will pass especially for Her family and other families that have went through this. People need to think before they drink n drive and take the life of an innocent person. I myself they don’t need to get out of jail I think they should get life. This family and other families won’t ever get there love one back.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sheila Prillaman on February 4, 2026 21:25
This Bill needs to be passed the death of a loved one happens everyday and every minute of the day. Please stop and think if this had been your daughter or a loved one of yours
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: David Bentley on February 4, 2026 21:11
Please pass this bill. Yv
2026 Regular Session HB5023 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brian Powell on February 4, 2026 20:55
I oppose this bill. The understanding of voting has long been that you vote where you live. This bill seeks to upend this in an unworkable manner with significant administrative burdens for the county, municipality, and would-be voter.
Even for what this bill portends to do - allow people who pay user fees to vote - it treats would-be voters unevenly as it would only allow people who live in the same county as the municipality to vote. There are many West Virginians who cross county lines for work, but this bill would exclude them.
2026 Regular Session HB4988 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brian Powell on February 4, 2026 20:52
I oppose this bill. It creates huge additional financial costs for taxpayers without a clear benefit or deterrence effect.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Aimee Cantrell on February 4, 2026 20:28
Please vote yes for this bill and work with your colleagues to make sure it passes.
Thank you.
2026 Regular Session HB5037 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brian Powell on February 4, 2026 20:27
This bill, and its sponsor, Del. Dillon, are fundamentally un-American. It's a basic tenet of this country that naturalized citizens are just as American as a person whose family has been here for generations. This bill seeks to strip those who follow the legal process of coming to the United States and achieving citizenship from some of its most important rights.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa Fox on February 4, 2026 20:17
This young ladies life was took by a drunk driver who got behind the wheel of her vehicle and didn't even show remorse for it and I think she deserves to rot in prison cause Baylea can't be brought back and her mom dad and other family members will be hurting for the rest of their life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Linda shrewsbury on February 4, 2026 20:09
More people need to realize that drinking and driving is no joke but adding drugs in on top of that deserves the utmost punishment. People have gotten use to the easy Laws slapped with one year and a restitution of fines which take many years for them to pay off we all call slap on the wrist laws which needs to stop. I never knew Baylee but so many have lost their lives the same way and was given the one to three years serving only like 6 months in SRJ and released to do it all over again so rather just drinking and driving or under controlled street substance's and cause such a wreck much more consequences are needed. We all hear and see this everyday and laws need to be upped for other’s safety.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tamara Simmons on February 4, 2026 19:53
I support this law with my whole heart !
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jeanetta Dorton on February 4, 2026 19:38
I don't think anyone goes out on the road to kill. But it should be considered murder if you kill someone while driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ruta Prichard on February 4, 2026 19:27
This is a bill that needs to be in place. Life is to important not to be take it for granted.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kelsey Cooper on February 4, 2026 19:20
I support passing this for Baylea Craig.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Stephany Elkins on February 4, 2026 19:20
Baylea was my first cousin, thought the last 10 years outlet family has suffered so many losses unbearable ones at that, but we didn’t have to lose Baylea atleast not in the way we did. 3-15 years will in no way shape or form ever be enough justice for Baylea or anyone else who’s lost a loved one due to DUI causing death. The laws must be changed so maybe people will take the time to think before getting behind the wheel not only for themselves but for others and their families. Baylea was a beautiful soul so full of life and loved beyond measure by her family I truly hope this law is put into place to honor her and show people that you can’t just do as you please with no consequences especially driving impaired and taking a life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christopher Hager on February 4, 2026 19:08
This bill needs to be passed. I lost my nephew in September due to a drunk driver. He was like my son, my best friend , and my buddy. He left behind his wife and 3 kids.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Leah Thompson on February 4, 2026 19:07
This law would be a great law to provide justice for those who lose the ones they love to these types of things. I know plenty students in high school still who drink and drive and I am a firm believer that everyone should be punished. People need to realize that they’re putting the lives of other people in terrible danger and deserve to face consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarita Bennett on February 4, 2026 19:06
I wholeheartedly support house bill 4712 re: Baylea’s law.
This preventable tragedy changed a family forever and will always remain a source of overwhelming sadness to all who knew Baylea
These changes regarding the penalty for driving while under the influence are will surely discourage most people from this conduct.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Valerie Hager on February 4, 2026 19:02
Lost my nephew to a drunk driver. In September. He was killed on impact. The driver pushed him about 30 yards and over a bank. He had to be cut out of his vehicle. This law should be passed to help stop things like this.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: James Higginbotham on February 4, 2026 18:40
Should be a charge. Life in prison.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Keesha Martin on February 4, 2026 18:33
Driving under the influence deserves higher imprisonment penalties because it is a deliberate act that gambles with human life. Every impaired driver knowingly chooses to operate a multi-ton vehicle with reduced judgment and reaction time, turning public roads into a danger zone for innocent people. Stronger penalties are not about punishment for its own sake. They are about deterrence, accountability, and protection of the public. When a behavior has a high likelihood of causing irreversible harm or death, the justice system has a duty to respond proportionally. Treating impaired driving lightly sends the message that preventable risk to human life is tolerable. A higher penalty reinforces the value of public safety and the responsibility that comes with the privilege of driving.
These crashes don’t just injure victims; they ripple outward, traumatizing children, partners, first responders, and entire communities. Stronger penalties send a clear message that society refuses to normalize preventable violence on the road. When thousands of lives are lost each year to impaired driving, leniency is not compassion, it is NEGLIGENCE. A justice system that values human life must impose consequences that match the scale of the harm and prioritize protecting innocent people over excusing reckless choices.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Beth Hoylman on February 4, 2026 18:21
YES to Baylea’s bill. Please.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jeanne steele on February 4, 2026 18:17
There must be a stronger deterrent
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Stacy Bartley on February 4, 2026 18:11
- Harsher punishment may deter further deaths
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Penny Byrnside on February 4, 2026 18:08
I am for HB 4712
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tina Webb on February 4, 2026 18:04
So praying that they pass this law!! When a person is killed because of someone else's neglegence they need to reap what they sowed! Shamefully bout laws are so messed up! You kill an animal you spend more time than you do if you are the cause of someone's death!! Pass this law! Give them what they deserve and make it mandatory they receive treatment in a facility before allowing them the will to drive or have a license. And maybe just maybe think about what they've done and if it were YOUR loved one! Do not allow access to alcohol again. But undoubtedly that will never happen because there are too many alcoholics given a slap on the wrist.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Douglas Johnson on February 4, 2026 18:01
Baylea Craig Bower was a bright light to all who was lucky enough to know her. She comes from a wonderful, giving family that will never be the same after this devastating tragedy. The penalty for driving impaired by drugs and alcohol must be made more strict.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Audrey Blackburn on February 4, 2026 18:01
Please pass this bill! . There should much harsher penalties for people who get behind the wheel under the influence and take an innocent life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Joshua Workman on February 4, 2026 17:49
Justice for Baylea and others who have been tragically lost the same way
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alaina Watson on February 4, 2026 17:35
This bill would change the meaning of justice for families who lose a family member due to complete negligence and selfishness of those who choose to drive while impaired. My uncle was killed in a drunk driving accident in 2011 and it changed my family forever. Not only did we lose him, the person responsible was only in prison for 2 years. And then was on house arrest where he continued to drink and do drugs, after he sat in my grandmother’s living room crying to her about how sorry he was and how he would turn his life around for my uncle and our family. Needless to say he didn’t. And for the recklessness of this man’s actions, in my opinion, he faced minimal consequences. Families deserve more when something so horrible happens, people who rob stores and are caught on drug charges get a larger sentence than those who take a life for driving impaired.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alexandria Swiger on February 4, 2026 17:24
Baylea isn’t the only one who has been the subject of a drunk driver over the many years. Harsher punishment for dui causing death should be much harsher penalty! 3 years compared to ending a life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kailin Bannister on February 4, 2026 16:58
#justiceforbaylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Blake Underwood on February 4, 2026 16:56
Make DUIs harsher, too much complacency on our roads and in our legal system on individuals harming/killing others.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tamra Crum on February 4, 2026 16:53
Im 1000% on board with this law and u ahould be to
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Constance Brammer on February 4, 2026 16:23
Way overdue
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Edward Buckner on February 4, 2026 16:23
- This is way over due
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chad Barker on February 4, 2026 16:17
An increase in the penalty for prison time is long over due. Our families have suffered enough with offenders getting a slap on the wrist.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Donya Walker on February 4, 2026 16:16
Yes should be more time
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Casie Dillon on February 4, 2026 16:05
I think the punishment should be increased, 3-15 years is nothing to a family that loses their loved one due to poor decisions made by others.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jay Cobb on February 4, 2026 16:01
The punishment should be life in prison for dui causing death and Hopefully they pass it soon and my sister in laws brother’s murderer will get the max 30 instead of 15. Driving under the influence of anything is 100% a choice just like pulling the trigger and 💀someone.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: John Dent on February 4, 2026 16:01
Please pass this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Michele Williams on February 4, 2026 15:55
This bill needs to be passed. I have grandchildren that’s growing up and they’re gonna be driving aswell one day.. Drinking and Driving is a choice and should have Consequences! Causing a life due to a selfish choice is s devastating.. Please consider this for our families, and our future children..
2026 Regular Session HB5031 (Judiciary)
Comment by: David on February 4, 2026 15:55
Vaccines aren’t the boogeyman, you are actively hurting people with this rhetoric and legislation like this.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: D.J. Schreckengost on February 4, 2026 15:30
We let criminals walk all over our judicial system. When a person drives drunk, they are breaking the law… period. When you kill a person breaking that law we seem to pat their butt through the process including sentencing. Being back hard labor. Bring back the people with a backbone to put these people away and make them take classes for the rest of their lives. Do better WV. This is why people are leaving in droves and not coming back…
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Steven Halstead on February 4, 2026 15:05
Please pass this piece of legislation. If it doesn’t pass ask yourself what law would be better to help create real balance of consequences? Particularly for prior DUI and drug possession offenders that jump right back into their vehicles for a joyride home. The risk of innocent deaths that can be prevented or at least suppressed for several more years in prison is far greater than even debating this law. Pass it, instill more judgement and consequences in our society.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Haylea g on February 4, 2026 14:59
Passing this bill would help towards decreasing the number of DUIs causing death. They need far more than 3-15 years because they are destroying families. But I would think that hopefully they will think about it first knowing they could go to jail for 30 years. There needs to be more done for this to stop.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Caleb Duncan on February 4, 2026 14:54
Justice for Baylea.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nyoka on February 4, 2026 14:43
For Bailey and Aaron
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Juliana Perdue on February 4, 2026 14:30
N/A
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lisa Peters on February 4, 2026 14:19
2026
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Katherine conklin on February 4, 2026 14:18
I think the law is great might save some lives but I think they should actually be eligible for 1st degree murder
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jack McNeely on February 4, 2026 14:17
As Director of the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program, I support the efforts of this legislation. A fellow Boone Countian, I know how much Baylea's tragic loss has impacted her family and those of us who know them. Driving impaired is a choice; a choice that comes with consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Richie Johnson on February 4, 2026 14:11
The punishments for this offense should be more harsh.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Peggy Mullins on February 4, 2026 14:03
This bill needs to be passed no amount of signatures can bring her back. But at least the drunk driver will have time in jail to think about what they’ve done
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shelli Rinchich on February 4, 2026 13:43
Please considering passing Baylea’s Law!! This could be anyone’s wife or daughter. There is not enough punishment for taking a life, but a minimum of 3 years is ridiculous.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Vanessa Hager on February 4, 2026 13:08
My son Aaron Hager was killed by a drunk driver on his way to work. He was a father, a husband and so much more to his family. He was 32 years old just trying to provide for his wife and kids. if you’re out drinking and driving, you are making that decision to get behind the wheel. And if you kill somebody while doing that, it should be murder! That is exactly what this man did to my son. He murdered my son. He walked away with no scrapes or anything. My family mourns every day for my son. This drunk driver destroyed my family. We were told that he would only get between 10 to 15 years why my son lays in the ground I can never see his children grow up. To me that’s not very fair at all. He should be charged with murder! So these laws do need to change and maybe people would stop being so damn stupid and getting behind a wheel while they’re drunk and taking pills too.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: JT Workman on February 4, 2026 13:07
Need stricter laws for people that choose to not obey laws.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brayden on February 4, 2026 12:55
House bill 4712 absolutely needs to be passed to protect the citizens of West Virginia against drunk drivers. Drivers think they can drive while intoxicated and have 0 to no repercussions at all.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim Barney on February 4, 2026 12:41
- Pass the bill!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nancy Workman on February 4, 2026 12:35
Need stronger penalties on people that do not follow law and mess up. Especially under the legal age.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: April Mahon on February 4, 2026 12:09
Alcohol is the same as any other drug. It soothes, distresses but also incapacitates abilities to make decisions and control one’s own body. Make it ILLEGAL and stop letting people kill others. Please.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Joseph Jones on February 4, 2026 12:04
VETO. Support programs that help people with alcohol addiction to be sober not punish people who have addiction issues.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Phyllis Thompson on February 4, 2026 11:10
The laws must change . It’s not what it used to be. It’s too easy now for young kids to get drugs and alcohol. ( which is ashamed) Without heavier penalties for their actions it will continue.
And that is something that should be stopped!
Know one young or old should lose their life from an accident that shouldn’t have happened.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brianna Bailey on February 4, 2026 11:05
I hope Baylea’s Law passes. Driving while intoxicated is inexcusable and should be enforced aggressively.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa LaFon on February 4, 2026 11:05
I support this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kellie Duncan on February 4, 2026 11:02
Justice needs to be done. This might make people think before drinking and driving.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jensyn Davis on February 4, 2026 10:59
Baylea’s Law could make people second guess getting behind the wheel and driving! Possibly taking another persons life. The maximum sentence now isn’t nearly long enough. 15 years is not long enough.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Erik Fisher on February 4, 2026 10:58
Justice for Baylea!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Judith ballard on February 4, 2026 10:58
- It’s time laws were made to fit the crime
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Eric Halstead on February 4, 2026 10:53
Please support this legislation as the laws need to be strengthened against DUI’s, especially those that tragically end in death or injury to others
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alexius on February 4, 2026 10:51
Mine names Alexius, I’m from Boone County. An well I haven’t always been the best person or the most successful. But Baylea was a cheer coach, extremely talented cheerleader in High School, very good student, and turned into an even better adult. Starting her business, reaching out to the community helping like her family always has. But one day she was traveling in Beckley when a car went over the median and hit her head on, why in the world are you on a road way under the influence and younger than me. I’m 20 and if my mom ever found out that I was behind the wheel like that. She would take care of it rq. I would be knocked out. Why haven’t parents and other parties been charged? An 18 year old can’t buy alcohol. I get it if her parents were like if you stay here have a few friends over let’s talk to their parents make sure it’s okay. But you have to stay here and give me keys. That’s not as bad. But she hit Baylea so hard she killed her on impact. After making her way on the side of the road. I heard she absolutely was doing cocaine while drinking and driving. Which would absolutely explain it. I’m praying for our youth. Cause I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I ever took someone life, because of a choice you could’ve easily avoided making. Rest in peace sweet girl. You should be here right now. You’re friends, family, and community miss you so much! Please make Bayleas law happen, I’m terrified of road ways now. Well of people..
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Casandra Brenner on February 4, 2026 10:49
Passing Baylea's Law will make people reconsider georgina the wheel while DUI. We need a stiffer sentence for those that choose to be selfish and put others at risk.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Allison Workman on February 4, 2026 10:39
Someone who causes the death of another through careless, reckless, and selfish actions must be held accountable. It was a choice to get behind the wheel while impaired, and that choice resulted in a life lost. Loving parents, a husband, friends, family, and an entire community are left heartbroken. They now carry an empty space in their hearts that can never be replaced or filled because of someone else’s actions. The person who made the choice to get behind the wheel must face justice, just as Baylea’s entire family is suffering, along with so many other families. Justice needs to be served.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mike Buxton on February 4, 2026 10:39
I believe this law needs to be updated so people will think twice about what they are doing when under the influence. A stiffer penalty needs to be put in place for taking a life under these circumstances.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Hope Koon on February 4, 2026 10:38
Yes!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Quintin Goffe on February 4, 2026 10:36
People need to be held accountable for their actions.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Anita Perdue on February 4, 2026 10:33
This bill is far overdue! Our family is in total support! 💙
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kara Slater on February 4, 2026 10:20
Driving while impaired should have harsher penalties than what we currently have.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Heather Bailey on February 4, 2026 10:17
If you choose to drive impaired and you hurt someone else the punishment should be much more than it is currently. The person you hurt or killed will never be the same and neither will their families. Justice for Baylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Morgan Winter on February 4, 2026 10:17
.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jessica Vazquez on February 4, 2026 10:09
There needs to be harsher consequences for driving while under the influence and passing this bill will be the start!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Anna Puskas on February 4, 2026 10:06
I absolutely think there should be very stiff punishment for drunk drivers. We need to STOP letting them get away with hardly no punishment. They chose to drink and get in their car and kill innocent people. PASS HOUSE BILL 4712 NOW. Why if this was your daughter, wife, mother, friend, how would you feel?
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brianna Smith on February 4, 2026 09:47
This law is important for many reasons, but the biggest one begin that there should be consequences for horrible decisions. As lawmakers, it is your job to protect citizens. Whenever that fails, those responsible should be held accountable. That accountability shouldn’t be a slap on the wrist.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: John Workman on February 4, 2026 09:40
House Bill 4712 needs passed to put stricter laws and penalties on people charged for their misbehavior, misconduct and choices.
2026 Regular Session HB4052 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cindy Murphy on February 4, 2026 09:37
As a retired career firefighter, I understand the need for distance to keep both the public and the civil servants safe. I do not believe this is the bill's true intent. I think it is another attempt to restrict the Constitutionally protected right to peaceful protest and for the documentation of the activities of DHS/ICE/Border Patrol or other law enforcement.