CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey today held a bill signing ceremony for House Bill 4712, also known as “Baylea’s Law,” which significantly increases criminal penalties for individuals convicted of driving under the influence causing death. The legislation is named in honor of Baylea Craig Bower, a 25-year-old Boone County woman tragically killed by an impaired driver on Easter morning in 2023.
“West Virginia will no longer allow those who drive while impaired to escape the full weight of justice,” said Governor Morrisey. “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.”
The new law establishes the offense of Aggravated DUI Resulting in Death, carrying a mandatory prison sentence of 5 to 30 years for those who operate a vehicle under the influence with a deliberate disregard for human life. It also strictly prohibits convicted individuals from access to home confinement or the youthful offender program.
Additionally, the law mandates a fine of $2,000 to $10,000 and enacts a lifetime revocation of the offender’s driver’s license.
This legislation is a critical component of the administration’s broader mission to make West Virginia’s roads much safer. It follows a package of infrastructure and safety bills , including Senate Bill 692 and House Bill 4538, Governor Morrisey signed last month. Those measures authorized green flashing lights for Division of Highways vehicles to improve visibility and increased penalties for speeding and distracted driving in active work zones.
Baylea’s Law will take effect on June 12, 2026.
