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HB 4712

Increasing the criminal penalties for DUI causing death to be known as “Baylea’s Law.”

2026 Regular Session Introduced by J.B. Akers and 8 co-sponsors

West Virginia increases criminal penalties for DUI-caused deaths via "Baylea's Law," now passed by Senate and awaiting House approval to strengthen accountability for fatal impaired driving incidents.

Chapter 103, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 4712

Legislative bill overview

HB 4712, known as "Baylea's Law," increases criminal penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) that results in death in West Virginia. The bill has passed the state Senate with an amended title and is currently awaiting House concurrence. The enhanced penalties aim to create stricter consequences for fatal DUI incidents.

Why is this important

Fatal DUI cases represent serious traffic fatalities that devastate families and communities. Increasing penalties for such offenses reflects a policy choice to treat DUI-caused deaths as particularly severe crimes, potentially serving as a deterrent and providing stronger accountability for drivers who cause fatal accidents while impaired.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity vs. proportionality debate: Questions about whether enhanced penalties for DUI deaths are appropriately calibrated compared to other homicide charges or whether they create unintended sentencing disparities
  • Victim narrative legislation: Some argue that naming laws after specific victims, while emotionally compelling, may create inconsistent legal treatment if similar tragedies aren't memorialized with equivalent legal changes
  • Rehabilitation vs. punishment philosophy: Disagreement over whether increased incarceration addresses root causes (substance abuse treatment, impaired driving prevention) or primarily focuses on post-incident punishment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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