2024 Senate Questionnaire Response
Name Bil (One L in Bil) Lepp
Office Sought State Senate Dist 17
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 17
Your Hometown Spouth Charleston WV
Campaign Website leppforwv.com
On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade. As a result, the WV legislature enacted a near total ban on abortion less than three months later. With no access to or Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think abortion policy should look like in West Virginia?
Women should have reproductive freedom and be able make their own choices
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?
Yes. People's hairstyle should not result in discrimination. Furthermore, discrimination based on hairstyle is a thinly veiled anti-Black and minority racist tactic that has no place in West Virginia, or any where else.
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?
Students need to learn history. Our country has acted in racist anti-non-white, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-Jewish, anti-Indian, and so many other anti ways. It's the sad truth and our children need to know about it if we are ever going to correct it.
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 to end the ongoing discrimination against 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 wholeheartedly support a statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexuality or gender identity.
During the 2024 legislative session, the Senate passed legislation mandating, “In God We Trust” be posted in all West Virginia schools and permitting teachers to discuss ‘creationism’ and ‘intelligent design creationism’ as part of public-school science curricula. What role do you think religion should play in the public school system, and why?
I'm a Christian, a former pastor even. The In God We Trust signs are silly. We don't need them. We have better things to do. Teachers should be able to acknowledge that creationism and intelligent design are things that some people believe, but that real science is more accurate. Teachers in public schools should be able to teach that religions exist, and what role they have played in history, but no single religion should be the basis for public education.
In 2023, West Virginia lawmakers passed HB2007, severely restricting access to gender affirming healthcare services for West Virginians under the age of 18. Proponents of the legislation claimed it was about keeping kids safe, and opponents argued in favor of parental rights and medical freedom. What role, if any, do you believe government should play regarding medical decisions relating to gender affirming healthcare services, and why?
The government should not only let people be who they are, but ensure that people in gender affirming care feel safe, respected, wanted, and valued in the state.
Though abolished in 1965, lawmakers have introduced multiple bills designed to reinstate the death penalty. What are your thoughts on capital punishment in general, and would you support or oppose the effort to reinstate the death penalty in West Virginia?
No death penalty in West Virginia. It clearly doesn't stop crime and has been used unjustly in the past.
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?
We should find the funds to help the unhoused, and find compassion for the less fortunate in our communities.
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?
Civilian review boards seem like a good idea.
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?
The legislature needs to treat all people in West Virginia with respect. We need to allocate adequate funding to make sure people awaiting trial in jail, and serving sentences in prisons, are treated with decency. One way to help that happen is to pay staff fair wages so that we can recruit well-meaning people to run the jail system.
Currently, people coming out of incarceration on probation, parole, or supervised release for a felony conviction are unable to vote. When, if ever, do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever, should that right be restored?
People coming out of incarceration should have the right to vote restored.
Across the country, there is controversy about what is obscene. Often these focus on sexual education, content that discusses sexual orientation or gender identity, profanity, and references to sex. This controversy has led to renewed attempts to censor or restrict access to controversial material. What do you think is the proper role of the government in restrict material like this and where do you draw the line at what is obscene?
Anybody that thinks books are dangerous to society are themselves a danger to society.
Providing sexual education is essential. Discussing gender identity in positive terms will grow understanding and foster acceptance.