Baylea's Law - Increased DUI Death Penalties
Summary
West Virginia Governor signed HB4712, known as Baylea's Law, into law on April 1, 2026. The bill increases criminal penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) causing death, named in honor of Baylea. The legislation passed unanimously in both chambers (House: 95-0, Senate: 34-0) after bipartisan sponsorship by nine Republican representatives. The bill creates a specific statutory enhancement for DUI fatalities, distinguishing these cases from standard DUI penalties.
What changed
Baylea's Law creates enhanced criminal penalties specifically for DUI offenses that result in death. The bill establishes a distinct sentencing framework for fatalities caused by impaired driving, moving beyond standard DUI classifications. This legislative action represents a significant policy shift toward tougher enforcement of DUI-related deaths in West Virginia.
For legal professionals, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, this law substantially alters the landscape for DUI death cases. Defendants facing charges in fatal DUI incidents will now be subject to enhanced penalties under the new statutory framework. Law enforcement agencies should review investigation and charging procedures to ensure alignment with the new law's requirements. Healthcare providers and employers with workplace safety responsibilities should note the strengthened deterrent against DUI offenses.
What to do next
- Review internal DUI policies and procedures for compliance with new penalty enhancements
- Update legal defense strategies for DUI-related death cases
- Coordinate with law enforcement on enhanced penalties under Baylea's Law
Penalties
Enhanced criminal penalties for DUI causing death under Baylea's Law (specific sentencing terms not detailed in document)
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / West Virginia / HB4712 Signed by Governor HB4712 House Bill Signed by Governor 2026-03-14
Increasing the criminal penalties for DUI causing death to be known as “Baylea’s Law.”
The purpose of this bill is to enact Baylea's Law and increase the penalties for DUI causing death.
Bill Details
State West Virginia
Session 2026 Regular Session
Chamber House
Official Source www.wvlegislature.gov/BillStatus/Billshi...
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Sponsors
Josh Holstein (Rep - R) Roger Hanshaw (Rep - R) Tresa Howell (Rep - R) Jarred Cannon (Rep - R) Geno Chiarelli (Rep - R) Adam Vance (Rep - R) Joe Parsons (Rep - R) Scot Heckert (Rep - R) James Akers (Rep - R)
Action History
2026-04-01 H Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 2026-03-14 H Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal 2026-03-14 S Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal 2026-03-14 S To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal 2026-03-25 H To Governor 3/25/2026 2026-03-14 S House Message received 2026-03-14 H Completed legislative action 2026-03-14 H Communicated to Senate 2026-03-14 H House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 678) 2026-03-14 H House received Senate message 2026-03-13 S Senate requests House to concur 2026-03-13 S Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 547) 2026-03-13 S Read 3rd time 2026-03-13 S On 3rd reading 2026-03-12 S Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote) 2026-03-12 S Read 2nd time 2026-03-12 S On 2nd reading 2026-03-11 S Read 1st time 2026-03-11 S Immediate consideration 2026-03-11 S Reported do pass, with amendment and title amendment 2026-02-23 S To Judiciary 2026-02-23 S To Judiciary 2026-02-23 S Introduced in Senate 2026-02-19 H Communicated to Senate 2026-02-19 H Passed House (Roll No. 129) 2026-02-19 H Read 3rd time 2026-02-19 H On 3rd reading, Special Calendar 2026-02-18 H Read 2nd time 2026-02-18 H On 2nd reading, Special Calendar 2026-02-17 H Read 1st time 2026-02-17 H Immediate consideration 2026-02-17 H Reference dispensed 2026-02-17 H By substitute, do pass 2026-02-13 H Markup Discussion 2026-02-11 H To House Judiciary 2026-02-10 H Markup Discussion 2026-02-10 H To House Courts 2026-01-21 H To House Judiciary 2026-01-21 H Introduced in House 2026-01-21 H To Judiciary 2026-01-21 H Filed for introduction
Votes
2026-02-19 Passed House (Roll No. 129) Yea: 95 Nay: 0 2026-03-13 Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 547) Yea: 34 Nay: 0 2026-03-14 House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 678) Yea: 92 Nay: 0
Committee Referrals
2026-01-21 H Judiciary 2026-02-10 H Courts 2026-02-11 H Judiciary 2026-02-23 S Judiciary
Amendments
2026-03-11 hb4712 s jud am _1 3-11 2026-03-11 hb4712 s jud amt _1 3-11 2026-03-11 hb4712 s jud amt _1 3-11 adopted Adopted 2026-03-11 hb4712 s jud am _1 3-11 adopted Adopted
Bill Text Versions
0000-00-00 Introduced 0000-00-00 Comm Sub 0000-00-00 Engrossed 0000-00-00 Enrolled
Subjects
Crime Juveniles Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
Named provisions
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