Public Comments
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
.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Sarah Thompson on February 2, 2026 20:06
I strongly encourage this bill be passed in hopes it will makes individuals think twice about driving under the influence!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany Price on February 2, 2026 20:06
A minimum of 3 years is a slap to the face for the family and friends of loved ones that are taken from them due to someone's decision to drive under the influence. Even 6 years isn't long enough but it is progress.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Melissa Belcher on February 2, 2026 20:05
I FULLY support changing bill 4712. To be under the influence of anything that impairs your ability to drive, yet you still decide to and someone else and their families lives are changed forever, you should be held accountable to the highest degree of punishment.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kaitlin Boytek on February 2, 2026 20:03
To our Legislators,
It’s sad that it took someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s sister and someone’s friend to bring something like this law to the table. Our system is supposed to work for us and help us in making things safer for ourselves and for our families. Passing this law would be the perfect step in the right direction to help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. It may not always stop them, but it will at least make them think twice. It shouldn’t be so easy to commit murder from a conscience choice to drive under the influence and then receive little to no punishment for the crime. You should ask yourself how you would feel if it was your daughter, your wife, your sister or your friend. If that were the case, I bet your own signature would be beside ours. We elect you to hear us and to help us in moments like this. We show up for you and it’s time you do your part and show up for us. Show up for Baylea and for her family and pray that it’s never you trying to pass a law for your daughter.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kim kirk on February 2, 2026 20:02
I hope this pass.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Aliyah foley on February 2, 2026 20:02
I personally think more thinks like this should be taken seriously, and have more consequences. Including dui’s with babies in the car etc.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Eliza Cooper on February 2, 2026 20:02
Bayleas Law needs to pass! The current sentence is not fair to the families destroyed by the childish choice of drunk driving.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kacee on February 2, 2026 20:01
Hopefully longer sentencing and higher fines will make others reconsider before getting behind the wheel under the influence.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany Vance on February 2, 2026 20:01
I agree with the bill. Nobody should ever drink and drive, it’s very dangerous. Someone’s always dying from drunk drivers.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Holly crockett on February 2, 2026 20:01
This law needs to be passed! It might save someone else’s life since it was unable to save Baylea’s. It might help people reconsider getting behind the wheel while impaired.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Timothy on February 2, 2026 20:01
I think it should be passed cause taking a life for a small decision. Make plans to stay where u are or sober up before u leave.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Dreama peros on February 2, 2026 20:00
Drunk drivers need more years
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alva Lynn Reilley on February 2, 2026 20:00
Please pass this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Emily Balser on February 2, 2026 19:59
This bill should be passed because if you knowingly drive impaired, you are knowingly risking someone’s WHOLE LIFE. Someone loses a whole family member/spouse/child/etc. They will never see them again due to a choice that you made.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Elizabeth Tallman on February 2, 2026 19:59
I strongly support House Bill 4712. Strengthening penalties for DUI offenses that result in death is a necessary step to promote accountability and deterrence. Impaired driving is a choice, and the consequences should reflect the irreversible harm caused to victims and their families. I support House Bill 4712 in honor of Baylea and her family. No family should suffer a preventable loss due to impaired driving. I urge the Judiciary Committee to advance this bill.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Alyssa on February 2, 2026 19:58
Absolutely!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Carlos Masingo on February 2, 2026 19:58
As someone who has zero tolerance for drunk/impaired driving, I fully support increasing the consequences for doing so, if anything as a deterrent to future potential offenders.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Mildred Barker on February 2, 2026 19:56
My brother was killed by someone that had been drinking, but alcohol didn't show at time of accident
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Lil Marie on February 2, 2026 19:56
Baylea was RUDE AND MEAN to me all through out elementary middle and high school she doesn’t need her own special bill all because she decided she needed to drive at a specific time!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Tarin Harrah on February 2, 2026 19:55
Drunk driving should have a greater punishment. Putting lives at risk due to selfish behavior is avoidable. No one should be unjust due to the choices of another committing a crime.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Marissa Copenhaver on February 2, 2026 19:55
Something that should’ve been changed long ago, we shouldn’t have to lose innocent people because others make selfish decisions. Baylea should be here, Baylea should be living her life with her friends and family.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Jeremiah noyes on February 2, 2026 19:54
Dui is a severely under punished crime and should have higher standards of punishment for the offenders to protect out communities
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Robin Thomas on February 2, 2026 19:54
I fully support this.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chad Barker on February 2, 2026 19:54
The law should be passed. These kinds of crimes should not go without a fitting punishment. This was my wife’s cousins wife. Our little girl adored Baylea, the whole family did. Don’t let her death be in vain.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Julie Massey on February 2, 2026 19:54
Taking a life from behind the wheel while impaired is still taking a life!! There has to be more accountability for this action or it will never end!! The current minimum and maximum sentence is a joke. This state really needs to give impaired drivers something to think about, something for them to lose if they choose to drive when they shouldn’t!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Kelli Bell on February 2, 2026 19:53
To whom it may concern:
Baylea was a vibrant young woman who was also a daughter, sister, Aunt, wife, friend, and business owner. Her life was stolen from those who love her and the community that she loved by someone who chose to drive intoxicated. The maximum sentence that will be served is 15 years. This person is still able to see their family and enjoy holidays. Baylea had that stolen from her. Never again will this happen.
Fifteen years, the maximum sentence, is not long enough for those who make this choice. The sentence needs to be extended. If harsher penalties are implemented and enforced drivers will be less likely to drive while intoxicated. Any choice that involves a death deserves a harsh penalty. Please take this into consideration so that maybe another family won't have to feel the pain that the Craig & Bower families and friends of Baylea do at this time. On February 12, the date of the sentencing of Destiny Lester, the one who caused Baylea's death, think about what if that were my child I buried? Would I want the person that caused her death out in as little as 3 years? Or at most 15? I ask that you vote in support of this bill.
Thank you,
Kelli Bell
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Judy Kinder on February 2, 2026 19:53
Lives are devastated by the negligent users of drugs and alcohol. The consequences for their behavior is often times negotiated behind the closed doors of our legal system while the families who've lost their loved ones are left to carry on. Trying to justify their age or ignorance with lesser time served solves nothing! Longer sentences would be a deterrent for many, one year of manditory drug rehabilitation prior to release would be a step in the right as well.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Chasity Foster on February 2, 2026 19:53
I fully support the passing of this bill. My own brother almost killed a mother and daughter when he was in his 20s and only seen the inside of a jail cell for a day, then only had to pay fines and take a dui class. He received multiple DUIs and the longest sentence he faced was 30 days on house arrest. My friend in high school lost her baby cousin to an intoxicated driver. He was barely 2 years old. He didnt even serve a year. This needs to change sooner than later. Operating a vehicle impaired and taking another life should hold the same consequences as premeditated murder. No one consumes alcohol or substances and gets behind the wheel not knowing it is dangerous and could hurt or kill someone. They do it without any regard to the possible consequences.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Amanda Craig on February 2, 2026 19:53
Losing my sister law to a drunk/high driver has been the most difficult and heartbreaking thing I've ever faced. Baylea deserved so much more to life than for hers to end this way, but she and every other victim of DUI deserve justice! This law would show West Virginia and surrounding states that we take this matter seriously. We need a change!
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Katelyn Myers on February 2, 2026 19:52
Please, take time to consider the fact that there are innocent lives being taken because somebody makes a careless choice to drive under the influence. Hopefully this law will get passed and cause others to pause and reconsider what the consequences might be.
2026 Regular Session HB4712 (Judiciary)
Comment by: Brittany on February 2, 2026 19:52
The law needs changed to prevent someone else from loosing their life to a drunk driver
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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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❤️