Public Comments

If someone chooses to drink and drive and it results in another person’s death, 30 years in prison is absolutely deserved. That choice is reckless, irresponsible, and completely avoidable. When you put other people’s lives at risk and take a life because of foolishness, you should pay the price. Accountability matters.

It is terrible when you lose a child because of a drunk driver.

Please pass this!

Any form of taxation is theft. Especially having to pay a fee, that you’re trying to double, to use a vehicle that one has already paid taxes on and already have to play taxes on every single year. I have no clue how a true fiscal conservative would pass this bill. It’s an atrocious breach of individual liberty.

This legislation is long overdue!

An increase in the sentence should deter anyone even considering driving under the influence .

Driving under the influence is a choice made of breaking the law followed by death and should be treated as murder. 5-15 years is nothing compared to the lifetime a family has to face of losing a loved one, especially a child that has a whole life taken away.

I would like for Bayleas law to be passed.

As a child who lost a stepfather, who was like a biological father to me, in 1995, we require stricter punishments for those who CHOOSE to engage in this behavior. My dad's murderer received 3 months, then killed somekne else a year later where he received 4 months.

My uncle was killed because of a Drunk driver

Drinking while under the influence is risking the lives of others as well as themselves. There are enough ways for people to get designated drivers when impaired. The impact of losing a loved one because someone made a poor decision is not something anyone should ever have to go through. A life taken by someone who is breaking the law should be held as murder in my eyes and not given a chance to live a normal life and possibly doing the same crime because the punishment is not enough.

Justice for Baylea

Please pass this bill, it will make people think twice about driving under the influence.

.

Public funds should support public education. The federal government should be supporting and strenghening our public schools and not moving public monies to the private sector, which in many erodes public schools. I am totally in favor of high-quality education. But West Virginia cannot support two parallel school systems. Please invest in the school system that serves everyone, and not just the wealthy.

I am thankful my state is considering passing this.  Maybe this will decrease the percentage of people who risk their lives and risk others lives by driving illegally under the influence.  I hope this passes.

Drink driving is common things here, so common that people will post about it almost bragging, showing off the things they do and don’t get caught doing, Destiny lester did just that, in my cases, not just alcohol but other substances. She is 19 years old, not even close to age for drinking, I’m saying this from the prospective of someone who is also 19. I refuse to drink, I refuse to be the one at hand for such a tragedy, drunk driving is a choice, one in which a person decides taking someone’s life is a risk worth taking, we need to change the way we prosecute people when they make that choice, because deciding that someone else’s life doesn’t matter is the same has choosing to end their life. Baylea deserved to live her life, and at this point, destiny deserves to face the consequences of taking that from her, and her family.

There is no excuse for driving impaired.

This bill should be passed to make impaired individuals think twice before drinking and driving or driving impaired period.

Baylea was a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her. She was brutally killed by a drunk driver. Anyone who drives under the influence puts themselves and everyone else in harms way and Baylea’s story is a prime example of this. Doubling the sentences can help people realizes the consequences of driving under the influence and how impactful it can be on their own lives and on the lives of others.

Getting behind the wheel drunk is shameful as is. Taking an innocent life knowing you knew drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal is gut wrenching. That sweet girl probably had plans for Easter but she didn’t make it to those plans because of someone so selfish and careless. Causing death when you could have prevented it needs to be handled the right way and that person needs to pay for their actions. May Baylea rest in peace knowing she has an army behind her to make sure this doesn’t get pushed to the side.

The penalty should be a little steeper because when you think about it when a loved ones killed, they’re gone forever! A longer sentence may discourage somebody from driving drugged or intoxicated.

I am in full support of Baylea’s Law to prevent more DUI related deaths in our community. This is a true tragedy and I hope justice is served.

The punishment for taking a life while drunk driving or driving under the influence is not harsh enough, hence why nobody takes it seriously. If we increase the minimum sentence, then people would take these things more seriously. Too many innocent lives get taken due to people’s stupidity.

Punishment needs to be enforced

Impaired driving is done without considering the lives of those who choose not to drink alcohol, smoke weed or use legal medicines improperly or any of the other mind, mood and or  physically altering drug concoctions that are available to anyone.  The people who drive impaired do it willingly, not caring what happens just so they get home to sleep it off.   Stiffen the penalty.  Make it so tough that they might even think twice before drinking and snorting!

I agree with this bill!

Justice for Baylea!

I strongly agree with the proposed bill. Incredibly careless actions that claim someone’s life should have considerably higher consequence’s!

Baylea’s Law should be passed! There are too many drunk drivers taking the lives of young people and get off free!!

Life is about choices! A person who gets behind a wheel while intoxicated or under the influence of a substance makes a choice to drive. Consequences for such actions must be changed. I support Baylea’s law to be established! Families of those whose life is changed because of a DUI driver are forever changed. It’s past time to prevent other families from losing loved ones because of DUI’S!! This law must be changed to prevent unnecessary deaths!

justice for baylea 🫂💗 I think bayleas law should be a new law , she lost her life due to a drunk driver , she deserves justice and he family does too this may never bring her back but her family deserves closure

I believe that this bill should be passed for the sake of those families that have suffered from someone under the influence driving.

McKenzie O’Brien agrees to sign this

This should be a law already.

!!!!

I support HB 5146 because it recognizes the real-world impacts that outdated drug scheduling has on people with disabilities, workers, and the broader West Virginia economy. Many West Virginians live with disabilities, chronic conditions, neurological differences, or trauma-related disorders that affect how they function in daily life and in the workforce. Substances such as cannabis- and psilocybin-based compounds are increasingly studied nationwide for their potential to support symptom management, harm reduction, and quality of life when used responsibly and with appropriate education. Removing these substances from Schedule I helps reduce unnecessary criminalization that disproportionately affects people with disabilities and creates barriers to employment, housing, and stability. HB 5146 also supports workforce participation. When individuals are not automatically excluded from jobs due to outdated classifications or stigma, more people are able to work, maintain consistent employment, and contribute to the state’s tax base. This is especially important in West Virginia, where labor force participation rates remain a challenge and many residents are already managing health-related limitations. Education is another major benefit of this bill. Schedule I status discourages research, professional training, and public education. By removing these substances from the most restrictive category, West Virginia creates space for evidence-based education, public health guidance, and informed decision-making rather than fear-driven enforcement. Education reduces misuse, improves safety, and allows healthcare providers, employers, and individuals to make better-informed choices. Finally, HB 5146 has broader statewide benefits. Reducing unnecessary criminal penalties can lower enforcement and incarceration costs, ease strain on the court system, and redirect resources toward public health, treatment, and economic development. Aligning state policy with evolving research and national trends also helps West Virginia remain competitive, attract talent, and retain residents who might otherwise leave for states with more modern policies. HB 5146 is not about promoting misuse—it is about removing barriers, expanding education, supporting people with disabilities, and adopting a more practical, humane, and economically sound approach that benefits West Virginia as a whole. I urge lawmakers to support this bill.

I absolutely approve.

Punishment alone is not enough, but accountability must come first. Families who have lost loved ones to impaired drivers live with that pain forever. The person responsible should carry consequences that reflect that reality. I urge you to pass legislation that strengthens penalties for impaired driving resulting in death and prioritizes public safety across our beautiful state.

In my years of advocating for the Cannabis Industry, I have been disheartened by the over regulation and the lack of political will to improve the quality of working relationships between our industry and State Laws and Rules. I would like to think that my efforts helped lead to the investment of millions of dollars into WV's Agricultural and business sector. I'm in a unique position to bring in even more investments. Through our efforts, I've helped tens of thousands of our fellow citizens feel better and the cash taxes that have been paid were supposed to go to specific programs that would be of great help. Other States have figured out how to integrate their Cannabis Tax Cash revenues but WV has yet to figure out how to follow their own designated plan. In the meantime, I'd say we've been wasting money for custodial fees for holding this 34+ million dollars in cash. This is embarrassing and outrageous. The rule of law for me but not for thee? Therefore, with all due respect, I demand passage of this Bill. Utilize these funds.

I am submitting this comment based on my personal experience working in West Virginia after relocating here from out of state. I worked for a franchised Arby’s location in West Virginia for approximately two years. During that time, I obtained a nationally recognized food protection and management certification that qualifies me to serve in management roles in all 50 states. I was offered advancement and was on track to become an assistant manager. Despite my qualifications and performance, I was later denied advancement and ultimately pushed out after my employer learned that I hold a valid West Virginia medical cannabis card and that I wear a religious head covering. I was told directly that “at the end of the day, it’s up to us who we hire.” After this, my working conditions became more difficult, and advancement opportunities were withdrawn. This felt retaliatory. I attempted to pursue the matter through existing channels, but my complaint was dropped after the employer retained private legal counsel. I was left with no meaningful remedy. This experience made it clear to me how difficult it is for workers—especially those who are new to Appalachia, who pay taxes, and who are trying to establish stable footing—to challenge discrimination when enforcement depends on narrow definitions of “employee,” short filing windows, or employer size exemptions. HB 5140 would help address these gaps by:

• Expanding coverage to smaller employers,
• Clarifying protections for workers who are often excluded or misclassified,
• And providing a realistic time frame for individuals to bring forward claims after retaliation or legal intimidation occurs.

This bill would not remove an employer’s ability to hire qualified staff. It would simply ensure that hiring and promotion decisions are not used to discriminate against workers based on lawful medical treatment or religious expression, and that individuals are not effectively silenced by procedural barriers. As someone who lives and works in West Virginia, pays taxes, and sought to contribute long-term to this state’s workforce, I believe HB 5140 would provide fairer access to accountability and help ensure that civil rights protections are meaningful in practice—not just on paper. Thank you for considering my comment.

This law needs passed because the punishment for reckless behavior causing the death of other innocent drivers is too lax. Not only are the people who end up killed by impaired drivers victimized, but friends and family of the deceased are negatively affected for life.

you should not be allowed to kill someone and do less time then a pedo.

I respectfully ask you to put every effort into bringing forth for hearings HB 4460 and making every effort into the passage of this bill. This would correct a terrible situation that has been perpetrated against our citizens for many years by some of our current state laws. For decades, our citizens have been burdened by state code (namely 8-1-22 & 16-13A-9) that are unfair, probably illegal and possibly unconstitutional. These laws force WV citizens to both pay for a service (public sewage) that they may not need, want or use. There is no service or product that I can think of, either private or public that the government dictates that a citizen must use. This would be the same as a store dropping an appliance off at your house and forcing you to now use and pay for it whether you want, need or will use it.  This would not only be unfair but illegal, yet that is exactly what is happening in our state. Another part of the current laws that are completely unfair to the affected citizens is that they must discontinue using and render inoperable their present sewage system. This is regardless that they have paid for the system nor whether it is operating properly or not. And they are not being reimbursed for the destruction of this private property they have paid for with their hard earned dollars. In my opinion this may also be in violation of our rights under the 5^th Amendment of our Constitution which, in part, states “Nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” Home owners pay thousands of dollars for a septic system, many may still be paying on the cost thru their home mortgage. And now the government comes in and dictates that you must now pay thousands more for a service (plus pay a monthly fee) whether you want, need or will use the service? Please stop this grave injustice. Thank you for your attention and efforts into this matter. Norman Launi Sr.   Keyser, WV

I oppose HB 5123 in its current form because, while it is presented as a consumer data privacy bill, it falls materially short of established data-protection standards already in effect in other states, particularly California. California’s privacy framework under the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) provides stronger, clearer, and more enforceable protections for consumers than HB 5123. California law recognizes “sensitive personal information” as a distinct category and grants consumers the right to limit its use and disclosure, including precise geolocation, health data, biometric identifiers, and personal communications. HB 5123 does not establish comparable, heightened protections for sensitive data, leaving consumers exposed to expanded data collection and secondary use without meaningful limits. HB 5123 also lacks several core safeguards that are standard in California, including:

• Clear limits on how sensitive personal data may be used beyond opt-out mechanisms
• Mandatory risk or impact assessments for high-risk data processing
• A dedicated, independent privacy enforcement agency with rulemaking authority

While HB 5123 provides basic rights such as access, deletion, correction, and opt-out of sale or sharing, these rights are weaker in scope and enforcement than those guaranteed under California law. California additionally provides data portability rights and clearer disclosure obligations that ensure consumers can meaningfully understand and control how their information is used. West Virginia residents deserve data protections that are at least equal to those already recognized as necessary in other states, not a diluted framework that lags behind national privacy standards. In a time when personal data is routinely monetized, shared, and weaponized, partial protections are not sufficient. For these reasons, I oppose HB 5123 unless it is substantially amended to:

• Create enforceable limits on the use of sensitive personal information
• Require risk assessments for high-risk data practices
• Strengthen transparency, portability, and enforcement mechanisms
• Bring West Virginia’s consumer privacy protections in line with leading state standards such as California’s

Without these changes, HB 5123 risks creating the appearance of privacy protection while failing to deliver meaningful consumer control or accountability.

The woman, who was drunk and caused an auto accident, resulting in the death of Bailey, should be charged  and have to be imprisoned double the current prison time. She caused the loss of a precious young life.

no comment.

Please do the right thing, this family deserves closure and dui laws in West Virginia have been far  to lenient for to long it’s time for action and it’s time for justice.

This bill should be passed

I support this bill!!

First off, there is absolutely NO excuse whatsoever for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs! There are taxis, Ubers, friends, family members or even strangers that can help avoid it! Along with, just simply stay put!! Too many innocent lives have been taken due to that ignorant decision! The innocent victims lives comes to an end, while leaving their families to suffer a lifetime sentence from the outcome of the terrible tragedy! Second… I’ve seen so many get away with drinking and driving resulting in death…including both of my brothers deaths, because the present laws on this matter are absolutely ridiculous! It’s never going to end, simply because there is little to absolutely no punishment! No consequences to pay! They get by with it! Plain and simple! Why?!?! Their ONE selfish choice made a never ending number of horrific life changes for parents, grandparents, children, spouses, siblings and so many more! Granted, they will more than likely do it again, and others will definitely do it, because the laws on it are embarrassingly pathetic! I pray that Baylea’s Law passes! Something has to be done! It’s not fair that Baylea’s life was brought to a tragic end, while the one that caused it walks free!

In memory of Baylea Craig Bowers

This should have been done years ago

Justice for Baylea  

I  lost my best friend of 20 years, she was a daughter, sister, aunt, fur mom, a business owner and one of the most kind hearted person I had ever met. There will never be enough time to serve for the miserable life sentence Bayleas family and friends have to serve forever missing her. Please take this law into consideration. Too many people are dying and young people do not take drinking and driving seriously.

I agree wholeheartedly with this bill passing.

This bill needs to be passed. I’ve lost too many friends to drunk drivers.

Hello   I oppose increasing fees for hybrid or electric cars. I see this as a deterrent to those of us choosing to lower our fossil fuel footprint and reduce gas useage. There is no valid reason to charge higher fees Thank You Olga Gioulis Hybrid driver Sutton WV

As someone who has witnessed many lives be ruined and taken due to someone else’s selfish decision to drink and drive, I strongly urge our representatives to pass this bill. The cost of taking a life should be far greater than 3 years. This affects more than just the victim. The victim’s families carry that pain with them for the rest of their lives.

This bill will be very instructive in giving criminals a more accurate depiction of the danger they caused driving under the influence. This bill also will ensure that families of any and all victims get justice for the crimes committed

I believe this should ABSOLUTELY be the law!

Baylee’s bill should 100% be passed. People who ignorantly get behind the wheel under the influence, and then unfortunately take another persons life, should face hard consequences. Even under intoxication, a person is very aware at the fact that they’re driving, so they’re willing getting into a vehicle knowing they could possibly cause someone else to lose their life.

Hello

I urge the committees to insure that home-school students follow a curiculuum and are properly assessed to meet educational standards in core subjects Thank You Olga Gioulis Sutton WV

My brother and 2 of his children were killed by a drunk driver in 2006. Fortunately for our family, we didn’t have to worry about prison sentences because the drunk driver and his drunk passenger was also killed. Maximum sentences should be mandatory for all dui causing death and I believe mandatory jail time  for all 1st offense dui. Maybe it will deter it from happening again.

We all take on a great responsibility when we get behind the wheel of our vehicles. A responsibility to ourselves, and to all those around us. Anyone that chooses to drive impaired, and it is a choice, risk not only their life, but the lives of others. Should their actions take the life of someone else, the repercussions are monumental and lasting. As such, the penalties should reflect that great responsibility. I ask that you pass this bill to hopefully help negate others from driving impaired, and to make those that still do take accountability for their choices. Thank you.

Pass the bill

I am doing so to get the bill passed.

This is something that should have already been in place to try and prevent things like this family has had to go through. A family should not have to beg for justice like Baylea's has had too.

Justice for Baylea

I believe this law would be very helpful in bettering WV. This would make those are think of driving under the influence reconsider!

I oppose removing the ability of people to vote. This bill disenfranchises college students, caregivers, those who are too ill to come in person, and those who work out of state. Please vote “No”.

We definitely need stricter laws for those caught getting behind the wheel and driving while under the influence. These people need to be held accountable and the laws need to be enforced. Our Loved ones matter. Baylea was taken from us way to soon. We don't need others taken away as well. Please pass this bill.

I would like to extend my condolences to the family who is pursuing this change in the WV law. It’s unfortunate for any family to have to go through such a tragic incident. I hope the House will consider passing this bill.

Absolutely breaks my heart and I absolutely, whole heartedly pray this law is passed.

This should be a law because it’s taking someone’s life who was innocent

the law should hold more of a sentence so hopeful it will stop this sienceless at!

Baylea was a a family friend with her whole life ahead of her! She was a light to our community and had many plans and very ambitious! She was kind, smart, beautiful, and a down to earth amazing person! She didn’t deserve to have her life cut short by an immature bitch that decided to get behind the wheel and drive impaired! The girl that ended Baylea’s life deserves to locked away and think about what she’s done!

I believe this should have been passed a long time ago. My uncle was killed by a drunk driver.

Too many deaths are being caused by Drunk Drivers. I strongly believe a sentencing of 3 years for a DUI seems like a slap on the hand. It needs to be taken more serious, and the drunk drivers need to be facing more serious consequences and charges.

Im for this bill

Stiffer penalties are needed

I support House Bill 5119 because it establishes a clear statutory right to access contraception and prevents government interference with lawful contraceptive care. This is a necessary public-health protection, particularly in a state with high rates of poverty, rural isolation, maternal mortality risk, and limited healthcare access. However, while I support the bill’s intent, I am concerned that several under-evaluated and vulnerable sub-groups are not explicitly addressed or protected in implementation, which could limit the bill’s real-world effectiveness. First, minors, foster youth, unhoused youth, and young adults transitioning out of state systems are often excluded in practice from healthcare access even when rights exist on paper. Without clear guidance on confidentiality, transportation barriers, consent standards, and provider availability, these groups may continue to face de facto denial of access. Second, rural residents and medically underserved communities face structural barriers that legal rights alone do not resolve. Many counties lack pharmacies, clinics, or providers who offer the full range of contraceptive options. A statutory right is meaningful only if access is geographically and economically realistic. Third, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and reproductive coercion require discreet, safe access to contraception. Without safeguards against partner interference, parental retaliation, or institutional reporting pressures, these individuals remain at risk even when contraception is legally permitted. Fourth, LGBTQ+ individuals and others impacted by curriculum-restriction or “no-promotion” policies may experience provider hesitation, stigma, or denial of information. While HB 5119 is not a curriculum bill, access rights must be protected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or perceived morality. Finally, individuals with disabilities, language barriers, or limited health literacy are frequently excluded from policy evaluations. Accessibility, informed consent, and culturally competent care must be considered to ensure equal protection under this law. For these reasons, I support HB 5119 as an essential baseline protection, while urging lawmakers to acknowledge and address these implementation gaps. A right that cannot be exercised equitably is not fully realized. Explicit attention to under-evaluated sub-groups strengthens this bill and aligns it with public-health best practices, constitutional principles, and basic fairness.

FOR BAYLEA

A DUI is a completely avoidable crime. The choice to drink and drive should not be a slap on the wrist with or without injury/death.

I think people needs to be punished for taking lives of people they shouldn’t get a slap on the wrist just for them to do it over and over again

This needs to be a law.  Heck I feel it needs to be even stricter than 6yrs min and 30yrs max.

People that I know and love have been affected by impaired drivers. Some of those drivers get a slap on the wrist even if a sweet life was taken. DUI needs to have a more significant punishment to encourage drivers to make better choices.

I disagree with this bill for many reasons. One of which is that helmets protect you, while it may be true that they most likely won't help in big crashes they can protect on a day to day. There are times where you may turn to sharp and hit you head. This is not a big, crazy crash but without a helmet can cause brain damage or other head injuries. While with a helmet you will be fine; many other facts lead me to believe this, but that one is all I needed to disagree with this bill.

I agree with this bill because children should not be auctioned off as if they're a piece of"junk" to get rid of. They're humans, under-developed ones compared to adults at that; meaning that they don't even know what's going on. Also, I agree where this bill states that an unlicensed person shall not adopt a child. This helps prevent "creeps" and unworthy people from taking home a child that they do not need to have.

This law may change lives. Baylea was taken way too soon. She didn’t deserve any of what had happened. This family deserves peace.

One of my best friends was killed by an impaired.  Received very little time incarcerated.   Please pass this lawE

I fell there should be stricter laws regarding DUI charges. Far too many people for far too long have been given slaps on the wrist for driving under the influence. We need harsher laws in place for people driving under the influence.

I SUPPORT Baylee’s law. Baylea Bower was killed by a drunk/high on drugs person.

I object to changing community/civic/local elections to make them partisan. They must remain NONpartisan Thank you Olga Gioulis Sutton WV