West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice and Moore Capito host town hall
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – Governor Jim Justice and Moore Capito hosted a town hall in the Parkersburg Council Chambers along with a meet & greet with the residents of Wood County to listen to their needs and concerns.
Capito expressed good things are happening in West Virginia right now and we need to continue that momentum.
Many people in West Virginia have expressed they are still struggling, and Capito wants to make sure that the momentum reaches everyone within the state.
“Making sure that we have the safest communities in the country. I have been to Wood County and Parkersburg probably dozens of times on this campaign trail over the last 17 months, and we know that public safety is critically important; that means getting the drugs off of our streets here, making sure that our kids can go to school safely and people can get to work safely. Education is absolutely critical for the future of our children” said Capito
Governor Justice also made a visit to Emerson Elementary School to present the School Building Authority award.
We will have more from Governor Justice this weekend.
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West Virginia
Morrisey signs Baylea’s Law, increasing criminal penalties in W.Va. for DUI causing death
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey officially signed House Bill 4712 into law on Friday.
The bill, better known as Baylea’s Law, increases criminal penalties against those who are convicted of driving under the influence resulting in death. The bill is named after Baylea Bower, a 24-year-old woman from Boone County who was killed in a car crash on Easter in 2025 caused by a drunk driver.
The bill passed the House in February, with several of Bower’s family and friends gathered at the West Virginia Capitol in support of the bill.
“Obviously we’re going to be heartbroken,” Bower’s friend India Henderson said. “We have the lifetime sentence of not having Baylea. But if this does help save a life in the future and cause someone to not want to go out and cause this tragedy, then that is a win.”
In accordance with the passage of the bill, Baylea’s Law will take effect on June 12.
“West Virginia will no longer allow those who drive while impaired to escape the full weight of justice,” Morrisey said Friday in a press release. “Baylea’s Law gives our legal system the teeth to demand absolute accountability for the most heartbreaking crimes. Today, our laws stand firmly on the side of victims and their families.”
Specifically, Baylea’s Law introduces the offense of aggravated DUI resulting in death, which will carry the following mandatory sentences, according to a release from Morrisey’s office:
- Five to 30 years in prison
- Fine of $2,000 to $10,000
- Lifetime revocation of the offender’s driver’s license
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