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Public Comments

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mary Selbe on February 2, 2026 20:46
I am in support of a stricter law for DUI resulting in death. Driving under the influence is too common in West Virginia, and at most times, viewed as the norm.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Donna Massey on February 2, 2026 20:45
I think changing this law to stronger sentence would make you think before driving impaired. When you know you  should not be driving under those conditions. The law definitely needs changed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mandy Davis on February 2, 2026 20:45
Please pass Baylea’s Law
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jessica Dunlap on February 2, 2026 20:45
Absolutely
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brandy Taylor on February 2, 2026 20:44
Baylea and her family deserve justice and these short sentences is not justice
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kaitlyn Douglas on February 2, 2026 20:44
Please pass Baylea's law! Please make it to where people are held accountable for their actions, and they pay the maximum sentence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Francine Hodge on February 2, 2026 20:44
People who drink do drinks and drive are choosing to do that. The person or family they may hit, didn’t have a chance to decide what happened to them. Life is so precious! If you decide to do those things and get behind a wheel, then you should have to pay for what you done!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Emily Williford on February 2, 2026 20:44
It’s important to have sentencing that even remotely reflects the damage caused by drunk and impaired drivers. This is the first step in Justice for those who aren’t here anymore due to the actions of those breaking the law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kathy Raymond on February 2, 2026 20:43
A life that has been taken by something that could be avoided so easily, should not have such a light punishment. If someone goes out and drinks and decides to drive when there’s so many options out there to prevent a potential wreck. People need punished and to be held responsible.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bobbie Cameron on February 2, 2026 20:42
#passbayleaslaw
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melinda Gibson on February 2, 2026 20:42
Driving under the influence is something so selfish that affects so many people every year. Innocent people get killed by someone who should know right from wrong. I lost a good friend, who had gotten into a car thinking they were just going to get some food and they never made it back home due to an impaired driver. The decision to get behind the wheel drunk not only affects you or the person injured. It affects families, friends and so many loved ones. I am a mom of an infant and a toddler; I still get nervous on the roads because no matter how safe you are, others decisions and driving is out of my control. This law should be passed because it will make people second guess themselves before getting behind the wheel impaired. This could save so many life and prevent so much heart ache in the future.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nadia Mugnolo on February 2, 2026 20:42
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sally Chandler on February 2, 2026 20:41
The law needs to be more strict and enforced concerning impaired driving  or any act while impaired resulting in death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chris waddell on February 2, 2026 20:40
I think this should be put into law
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: April Keenan on February 2, 2026 20:40
Dear Members of the West Virginia Legislature, I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 4712, also known as Baylea’s Law. This important legislation honors the memory of 24-year-old Baylea Bower, who tragically lost her life on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in a head-on collision caused by a drunk and impaired driver on the Coalfield Expressway in Boone County. Baylea was a vibrant young woman whose life was cut short due to the reckless and preventable actions of someone who chose to drive under the influence. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact that impaired driving has on families, communities, and our state as a whole. By doubling the minimum and maximum sentences for those convicted of DUI causing death, this bill sends a clear message that West Virginia will not tolerate such dangerous behavior and will hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent. Tougher penalties like those proposed in Baylea’s Law are essential for deterring potential impaired drivers and providing a measure of justice for victims and their loved ones. I urge you to pass this bill swiftly to help prevent future tragedies and ensure safer roads for all West Virginians. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, April Dawn Keenan
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Debbie Gray on February 2, 2026 20:40
Please consider the importance of this bill and how it could save lives in the future.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shania Morgan on February 2, 2026 20:39
Great!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Molly Quentrill on February 2, 2026 20:39
A person lost her life for someone else’s careless decisions. When people choose to be under the influence of alcohol or any kind of inhibitor and then drive, they know the risk they are taking. And by taking these risks, they’ve taken lives. Lives that should’ve been around for many more years. 6 years isn’t even enough time to serve for the decisions that are made.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nikki sampson on February 2, 2026 20:38
This law should be passed to make people think twice before diving impaired.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kerri on February 2, 2026 20:37
Impaired driving kills and injures thousands every year. One impaired driver can destroy multiple families in seconds. Stricter laws need to hold drivers accountable for choosing to endanger others.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Crystal mccourt on February 2, 2026 20:37
I strongly encourage you to pass this bill this may prevent another life from being taken too soon
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jeremy Hudnall on February 2, 2026 20:37
Double maximum jail time.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Seth Rinchicy on February 2, 2026 20:36
Pass the bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Stephanie Adams on February 2, 2026 20:35
I believe this is a good bill that will help prevent drunk driving deaths and save families the heartache of burying a loved one. Even if it just saves one person, it has done the job. Thank you for supporting this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sheree Thomas on February 2, 2026 20:35

What is just punishment for taking a life? There is no punishment that will ever be enough for the life of someone you love. The current punishment for taking a life by driving under the influence in WV is 3-15 years. Lawmakers, please take a look at Baylea’s Law and ask yourself what would you want the punishment to be if the life taken was your child? A daughter, son, mother, father? What if this was yours? Would 3 years be enough? There are no words to describe the pain of this loss. The punishment could never be enough to erase the pain but 3 years for a life is unbelievable!!! #justiceforbaylea

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Debbie Mullins on February 2, 2026 20:34
This law desperately needs passed
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Karrie Blackburn on February 2, 2026 20:33
I worked in the hospital for three years. I’ve seen people lose their lives due to drunk drivers, and the impact that has on their families. I’ve lost family members due to drunk driving and it seems that the restrictions on impaired driving just aren’t steep enough to keep someone from getting behind the wheel, intoxicated. it happens way too frequently, and I support this law and hope that it passes so that we can save lives for a better future for our community, for our children and their families.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jackson Foster on February 2, 2026 20:33
PASS THIS
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Megan Russell on February 2, 2026 20:33
The pain from the natural death of a loved one is so hard. The pain from the death of a loved one who was taken by the negligence of someone who is driving under the influence is indescribable. One bad decision not only can take a life, but it also destroys the life of the victim’s family and friends. If the laws were more strict, I believe people may think twice before getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Natalie W on February 2, 2026 20:33

Please pass this. I wish this would count for past dui offenders that have killed innocent lives too such as Isaiah Browns killer, Nicholas farthing. Farthing has gotten away with too many dui’s and he killed Isaiah, who should’ve never lost his life. Same goes for Bailey, please pass this bill. These offenders need to do the correct time for their consequences.

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Megan Barker on February 2, 2026 20:33
I feel this is a great law to pass. If someone dies while you’re committing a felony, you get felony murder. So if someone dies while you’re driving under the influence, you should have a similar consequence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tori Rinchich on February 2, 2026 20:32
Baylea’s life was cut short because of another person’s selfish decision to drive under the influence. Let’s do what is right by doubling the sentence for DUI causing death. This change needs to happen. Too many lives are being taken by drunk and impaired drivers!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: McKayla Hayhurst on February 2, 2026 20:31
Baylea’s Law would help lessen the possibility of another loss of life due to drunk driving. No one should have to deal with the pain everyone has felt due to losing Baylea. The laws right now in West Virginia are NOT strict enough. I ask all legislators to stop and think. If this was your family member would you want their loved one’s murderer out in 3 years?
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nevada DiDonato on February 2, 2026 20:31
My mom was taken in the same tragic way. There definitely needs to be a longer sentence to stop this nonsense. This sweet innocent girl would still be here if it wasn’t for dumb mistakes. Her family needs justice!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Liberty moore on February 2, 2026 20:31
This law should be passed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lisa Layton on February 2, 2026 20:31
This needs to pass!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christan Milam on February 2, 2026 20:31
I fully back this bill, we need harsher punishments for these types of crimes. Tougher penalties may be what it takes to save someone’s life.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Destiny on February 2, 2026 20:31
I fully support this legislation to double DUI fines. This issue is deeply personal to me. Bailey was my friend and lost her life due to a DUI, and I have also had to fight for my own child’s safety. My child’s father received multiple DUIs in Ohio within a single year, yet was able to regain his license shortly after. That reality is terrifying. Drinking and driving must be taken more seriously in West Virginia, and in my opinion, all states. Just because alcohol is legal does not mean it should be abused at the expense of other people’s lives. Stronger consequences save lives, protect families, and send a clear message that reckless choices behind the wheel will not be tolerated.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Abbigail on February 2, 2026 20:31
  1. Taking a life should have a longer penalty.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jesse cooper on February 2, 2026 20:30
I think this bill would be a blessing to a lot of families that lose someone to death from dui hopefully it passes
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Haley McKinney on February 2, 2026 20:30
Someone that makes a choice drive under the influence and potentially harm another person deserves the toughest of sentences for it!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Patricia Foster on February 2, 2026 20:29
Baylea’s Law needs to be passed because the loss of a life due to DUI is not an “accident” — it’s a preventable choice. Stronger penalties send a clear message that driving under the influence and taking someone’s life will be met with real accountability. Families who lose a loved one deserve justice, and harsher consequences may help deter others from making the same reckless decision. If even one life can be saved by increasing penalties, then Baylea’s Law is worth passing. No family should have to endure this kind of loss. 💙
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: India Henderson on February 2, 2026 20:29

This bill would keep offenders off the roads and potentially save more lives. The longer they serve, the more they have time to get sober and stay out of their vehicles. Minimum three years and they can drive again?  Possibly drive impaired again?

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Amanda Miller on February 2, 2026 20:29
Harsher criminal punishments are needed for DUI causing death. There are too many lives lost due to someone else's decisions. 3 years with good behavior is not a punishment for taking someone's life. And this is coming from someone that has a DUI.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cindy Burdette on February 2, 2026 20:29
This was such a tragedy for her family and our whole community.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lanayea on February 2, 2026 20:28
 
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Natassja Trontel on February 2, 2026 20:26
There is no reason in the present age to drive impaired. No excuse for this reckless action that takes the lives of others and greatly impacts their families. Pass Baylea’s Law!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tracie Jarvis on February 2, 2026 20:26
Driving drunk is a choice! They choose to get behind the wheel. There should be harsher punishment for that! There are many other options than to drive drunk. Killing someone due to DUI, is second degree murder in my opinion. You know the consequences of driving drunk, yet you still got behind the wheel! Double the sentence!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany boggs on February 2, 2026 20:26
Too many have lost their lives including my aunt bc ppl on dui get off easy! My aunts killer had multiple dui charges and they kept doing nothing until he unalived someone!!!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Angie on February 2, 2026 20:23
This bill needs to be passed and hopefully they will think before getting behind the wheel.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Destinee edwards on February 2, 2026 20:23
Should pass.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Matthew Brown on February 2, 2026 20:23
JUSTICE FOR BAYLEA! We need stricter punishment!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Megan Lattie on February 2, 2026 20:23
this bill would hopefully raise awareness to dui causing death and duis in general.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Madaline Mantonya on February 2, 2026 20:22
I believe the fines should be doubled for DUI causing death to deter drivers from driving under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tiffany Bias on February 2, 2026 20:22
Baylee had her whole life ahead of her,  but some one impaired on drugs and alcohol took that away from her and her family! this law could very well save someone else loved on from getting killed by an impaired driver!!  
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Traci Browning on February 2, 2026 20:22
I 100% stand behind and for Baylee’s Law. DUI’s, child molestors, and rapist all deserve longer jail sentences. Drinking and having fun for a few hours should not cost someone else their life. If a person is killed and taken from this world like poor Baylee, they should get the max of 30 years.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jean Anne Wilson on February 2, 2026 20:21
I agree with this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Linda Vealey on February 2, 2026 20:19
She was a young lady just starting her life. She was just married and wanted to start a family. She as an asset to her community. Her life was cut short by an impaired driver. The law needs to be more harsh for impaired drivers causing death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Caitlin Bleigh on February 2, 2026 20:19
I agree with this bill because a lot of people drink and drive and don’t get any consequences for their actions and keep doing it over and over and end up killing people or themselves.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Gabrielle Morgan on February 2, 2026 20:19
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Destiny Stewart on February 2, 2026 20:18
I firmly believe that Baylea’s Law must be passed. Baylea’s life was stolen by a drunk driver—an entirely preventable choice that left a family and community forever changed. No sentence of 3 to 15 years can ever equal the value of a life lost, nor does it truly reflect the lifelong pain imposed on loved ones who are forced to live without their child, sibling, or friend. Drunk driving is not an accident—it is a decision. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, knowing the risk, and that choice results in the death of another human being, the consequences must be stronger and more meaningful. Baylea’s Law represents accountability, justice, and the recognition that a life taken deserves more than a sentence that minimizes the harm done. Passing Baylea’s Law has the power to save lives. It sends a clear message that our society will no longer treat fatal drunk driving as a lesser crime. It can deter reckless decisions, bring a stronger sense of justice to grieving families, and help prevent other parents from ever experiencing the unimaginable pain of losing a child the way Baylea’s family did. Baylea mattered. Her life mattered. And passing this law ensures her legacy becomes one of change, protection, and hope—so that fewer lives are stolen and fewer families are left broken by choices that should never be made
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Savannah Adkins on February 2, 2026 20:18
This should absolutely be put into effect because there is people living their lives without their loved ones all because of someone deciding to drink and drive. Three years is just not enough and most of the time people don’t even get that. I am sure that if somebody killed your loved one while drinking and driving, you would not want to see them walking around freely after just three short years!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Karen Daniel on February 2, 2026 20:18
Please pass Baylea’s law. Stronger penalties may cause individuals to plan ahead when drinking and get a designated driver or at least think twice before getting behind the wheel intoxicated.  Increased penalties may also help the victims families to feel that justice has been served and begin to heal from the trauma caused by the drunk/impaired driver. You must remember this: the victim’s family has been served a life sentence. The impaired driver deserves more than a measly 3 years.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Layla Ayers on February 2, 2026 20:18
I am fully in support of Baylea’s Law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Hayley Varney on February 2, 2026 20:17

I encourage the passing of Baylea’s law. It is not fair to innocent families for those under the influence to do whatever they please with no regard to anyone else. Innocent families are impacted forever by their choices while they get by with a max sentencing of 15 years. This needs to change.

2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Shamia Brown on February 2, 2026 20:16
Baylea was my cousin she did not deserve what happened to her. Pass this bill to help protect others! JUSTICE FOR BAYLEA
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Ciara Waine on February 2, 2026 20:15
Baylea was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Regardless of the outcome, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is always intentional. An intoxicated person never has to get behind the wheel; they choose to do so. In my opinion, even this new proposed maximum sentence is still not enough, especially when a life is lost.  Please consider this proposition in honor of Baylea.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Robin copley on February 2, 2026 20:15
I vote YES for this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Duwan Lovejoy on February 2, 2026 20:15
I agree with the bill as it is stated.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bethany Mitchem on February 2, 2026 20:15
The law should be 30 years max. If not more. People need real consequences for their actions and not a slap on the wrist. Do better West Virginia. Pass this law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christopher S Rider II on February 2, 2026 20:14
I stand with this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jennifer Dent on February 2, 2026 20:14
Baylea was an important person in the lives of many people and she should be here living her life. People who do not think twice about driving under the influence need to be given stiffer penalties so we can avert losses like our sweet Baylea
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cami Hodges on February 2, 2026 20:13
This may help save more people if there are more consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alayjah Lawhorn on February 2, 2026 20:13
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Cameron mark woodrum on February 2, 2026 20:12
Such a selfish act should be taken more seriously to prevent future deaths.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Torri Slentz on February 2, 2026 20:11
I didn’t personally know Baylea, but I KNOW that she mattered and still matters. Every person who has died at the hands of an impaired driver, mattered. A maximum sentence of 15 years, for the loss of life, is an injustice and is unacceptable. Every life matters. That is why I’m signing. For those who I know and those who I don’t.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kaitlyn Hatley on February 2, 2026 20:11
This bill absolutely needs to be passed to protect the people who choose not to drive impaired yet suffer the consequences in some cases and hopefully cut down on the rates of those who do choose to drive while impaired.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Michael Lovejoy on February 2, 2026 20:11
I totally support this bill as we need much stiffer penalties for those who choose to drive under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Joshua Nichols on February 2, 2026 20:10
Joshua Nichols I agree with this bill
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jamie shanklin on February 2, 2026 20:10
I support this bill to double the sentence in DUI resulting in death.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Christina jarrell on February 2, 2026 20:10
I believe if you take a life you should spend the rest of yours in jail away from your family and friends
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Nancy Turner on February 2, 2026 20:09
I totally agree with this,……do the crime….serve the time….a beautiful soul is gone because of a bad decision……JUSTICE FOR BAYLEA
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Rosona Petry on February 2, 2026 20:09
Please pass this bill hopefully it will make people think a little more before being careless. We have to take a stand for those that have already lost their lives due to drunk drivers and hopefully save innocent lives in the future.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tori Nelson on February 2, 2026 20:09
This law is highly needed.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim Smith on February 2, 2026 20:08
Please make this change, hopefully it will stop this from happening anymore.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Allison Jeffries on February 2, 2026 20:08
This needs put into action IMMEDIATELY
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mikayla Hanna on February 2, 2026 20:07
Three to fifteen years for DUI causing death is not long enough. DUI are 100 percent preventable. There is no “accidents” when it comes to DUI crimes.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jill Gentry on February 2, 2026 20:07
Destiny Lester while driving impaired took the life of Baylea Bower. Baylea was loved by all that knew her & is incredibly missed. Please change the minimum sentences!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jaslynn Snodgrass on February 2, 2026 20:07
I support Baylea’s Law.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Bridgette on February 2, 2026 20:07
Passing this law should help save some lives, too many people are killed by drunk drivers every year.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Judith Dawson on February 2, 2026 20:06
Please pass this bill this was a very well known and loved young lady that lost her life way to soon we all are heart broken. Something needs to be done with the underage drinking an the drugs in our state.  Just to think if this could have been your child.  
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alexandra Elswick on February 2, 2026 20:06
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2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah Thompson on February 2, 2026 20:06
I strongly encourage this bill be passed in hopes it will  makes individuals think twice about driving under the influence!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany Price on February 2, 2026 20:06
A minimum of 3 years is a slap to the face for the family and friends of loved ones that are taken from them due to someone's decision to drive under the influence. Even 6 years isn't long enough but it is progress.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa Belcher on February 2, 2026 20:05
I FULLY support changing bill 4712. To be under the influence of anything that impairs your ability to drive, yet you still decide to and someone else and their families lives are changed forever, you should be held accountable to the highest degree of punishment.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kaitlin Boytek on February 2, 2026 20:03
To our Legislators, It’s sad that it took someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s sister and someone’s friend to bring something like this law to the table. Our system is supposed to work for us and help us in making things safer for ourselves and for our families. Passing this law would be the perfect step in the right direction to help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. It may not always stop them, but it will at least make them think twice. It shouldn’t be so easy to commit murder from a conscience choice to drive under the influence and then receive little to no punishment for the crime. You should ask yourself how you would feel if it was your daughter, your wife, your sister or your friend. If that were the case, I bet your own signature would be beside ours. We elect you to hear us and to help us in moments like this. We show up for you and it’s time you do your part and show up for us. Show up for Baylea and for her family and pray that it’s never you trying to pass a law for your daughter.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim kirk on February 2, 2026 20:02
I hope this pass.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Aliyah foley on February 2, 2026 20:02
I personally think more thinks like this should be taken seriously, and have more consequences. Including dui’s with babies in the car etc.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Eliza Cooper on February 2, 2026 20:02
Bayleas Law needs to pass!  The current sentence is not fair to the families destroyed by the childish choice of drunk driving.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kacee on February 2, 2026 20:01
Hopefully longer sentencing and higher fines will make others reconsider before getting behind the wheel under the influence.