Name Morgan Hurlow
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Republican
District 17
City/Town Mason
The US Supreme Court will decide Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization this summer, which some have speculated may overturn Roe v. Wade. If there were no Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
Abortions in the case of rape and incest before 15 weeks or if the mothers life is at risk from medical complications.
Several West Virginia municipalities have passed ordinances that expand the definition of racial discrimination to include discriminating against traditional or natural hair textures and styles. Would you support expanding this protection statewide? Why or why not?
West Virginia has laws against discrimination based on race. Hair texture is a characteristic of race. It should follow that no one should be discriminated against, because of their hair texture.
Many states have created laws that seek to limit the teaching of "divisive concepts" or "critical race theory". West Virginia narrowly missed passing a similar law during the 2022 Legislative Session. What is the value or harm in teaching these topics and what role should the legislature play in determining this curriculum?
Bias history should not be taught in schools to manipulate young people. History should be taught accurately according to grade level abilities. Critical race theory is bias and the concern with teaching it is the application of those principles.
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexuality or gender identity. Proponents claim these protections are necessary for ongoing discrimination by the LGBTQ community. Opponents claim that such protections infringe upon religious beliefs. What do you believe and would you support or oppose a statewide law?
I would likely oppose a statewide law. West Virginia currently has anti discrimination laws regarding housing.
Recently a revival was held at schools in Cabell and Wayne counties. The Legislature has, in recent years, passed laws to allow teaching the Bible in public schools and allowing for religious drug-prevention programs to operate in schools. What do you think the role of religion in public schools should be and why?
The constitution set out the right to assemble and freedom of religion. We should adhere to the constitution.
The West Virginia Senate recently unanimously adopted a resolution stating that West Virginia is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Critics have pointed out that the Legislature has recently considered legislation what would make things more difficult for refugees and immigrants to settle in West Virginia. Should West Virginia welcome refugees and immigrants? If no, why not? If yes, what can the state do to support these communities?
No. West Virginia has a problem with poverty, drug addiction, and homelessness. We need to first resolve our own issues before we can take any critical action helping others. If West Virginia can get to a better place with their own citizens, then we should welcome immigrants and refugees that share American values and principles.
There is increasing tension with communities of people who are unhoused or face housing insecurity. Police breakups of encampments are common, and municipalities have shown growing opposition to low-barrier housing and recovery housing. How would you address community concerns while protecting the rights of unhoused people?
Many people who face homelessness or housing insecurity are facing issues with mental illness and drug addiction. We as a state should support those people finding help and getting into programs to resolve those issues to a more manageable place. Training to return to society after drug addiction could help those afflicted become more secure in their future endeavors.
Police violence has been in the forefront of national headlines for several years. Some propose more civilian oversight of law enforcement through civilian review boards that could review incidents and policies. Others view these boards as "anti-police" and point out that civilians are ill-equipped to understand the nature of police work. Do you support the use of civilian review boards? What other steps, if any, should the state take to provide transparency and accountability for police?
The question stated with police brutality is partial toward police violence towards specific races. Firstly, we need good, well trained officers available to police according to the law. I am not opposed to police being accountable to the public, but civilian review boards, if implemented, should not have a mob mentality. If a civilian review board is to be considered, then they must be impartial and uphold the legal standard. This is where a standard jury made up of peers oversee incidents as the situation arises. Civilians already have a say.
Jails in West Virginia are above capacity and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps, if any, should West Virginia take to address these issues?
One step I would take is addressing the officer retention rate. Officers receive a training course in West Virginia that is costly, then go to work with little pay and incentive to stay. I would suggest a training period on site and on the job training before sending officers to the corrections training. This way money is saved by the state from excess training for corrections officers that may decide to leave the position. I have disgusted a point of issue with corrections officers that some officers may not take an individual to jail and let them go instead, because they have to drive them to Charleston, then go back and finish paperwork. The pay and incentive to do this is low for them. I would suggest a rotating position for officers that they take on the responsibility of driving people the the Charleston holding facility solely as their position for the day opposed to any other duty while the arresting officers stays behind and files all paperwork.
Currently, people who are incarcerated or on probation and parole for a felony conviction are unable to vote. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people who are on probation and parole. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever should that right be restored?
The over arching issue is the loss of a right due to a felony conviction or some misdemeanors especially associated with domestic violence. The right to vote is not the only right lost, but also the right to own firearms. Currently, in West Virginia one convicted of a felony must wait till they have served their time, in prison, jail, probation, parole, then their right to vote is restored. If an individual acts with criminal intent and is formally convicted of a crime, then I believe the current law to prohibit voting till their time is served is a just law. Individuals should not act outside of the law, then expect to participate within it. The current law is fair and I would not change it. Although, other crimes such as misdemeanors and other loss of rights should be investigated into with regards to owning firearms once the violation has resolved.