Q1
Please provide some basic information about yourself.
Name Duane Bragg
Office Sought House of Delegates
City/Town 41th district
Email Address duanebragg2003@yahoo.com
Q2
From 1980 to 2016 the West Virginia state prison population has increased by 470%. What, if anything, would you change to reverse this trend?
Like most problems, I can't say I'm and expert in this matter, but this is probably mostly due to drug abuse. Our state needs solutions for abusers, not always imprisonment. We need to attack the cause, which I believe to be a feeling of hopelessness in a portion of our population and we need to greatly reduce the number of children being born by drug abusers.
Q3
Civil asset forfeiture is a process where police can seize any property "related" to criminal activity and later can file a civil case to forfeit the property to either be used or auctioned for money which is shared between the police department and local prosecutor. This can happen regardless of whether there is a criminal conviction or even criminal charges brought against a person.Proponents say this is a useful tool for taking ill-gotten gains from criminals and funding police work, and that legal protections adequately prevent abuse of the system.Critics say the system amounts to theft, that many people cannot afford the legal costs to challenge a forfeiture action, and that it creates a perverse incentive for police.Do you support or oppose the practice of civil asset forfeiture? What, if any, reforms would you make to the practice?
Strongly oppose
Q4
More than half the population of West Virginia's regional jails are pre-trial. That means they haven't been found guilty of any crime yet. Most are there because they could not afford bail, though some are there because they were denied a chance to post bail. What changes, if any would you make to our pretrial and/or bail system to balance concerns about safety and court efficiency with ensuring we are not incarcerating people without due process?
That's a hard one. In cases where there is no danger of violence or skipping town, there should be no bail nor jail time pre trial.
Q5
In 2015 West Virginia passed significant reforms to the juvenile justice system. Despite these reforms, the State still utilizes out of home placement at a high rate for system-involved youth. What, if anything, should West Virginia do to reduce out-of-home placements for system-involved juveniles?
Out of home placements should be used sparingly and after much consideration for the welfare of the children.
Q6
West Virginia has a very low voter participation rate. What changes, if any, would you make to increase voter participation?
With the electoral college, a lot of people don't think their vote matters. Change it from winner take all to a percentage. Also education of students may help.
Q7
Over the past few years, there has been legislation aimed at requiring the Bible to be taught in public schools, allowing a Bible-based elective, or faith-based drug prevention electives. What is your stance on incorporating religion into the public schools?
Against. If parents want their children to learn religion, they should attend the church of their faith.
Q8
At least 20 states have passed laws prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. 13 West Virginia municipalities have similar protections. Do you support or oppose a statewide law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in West Virginia? Why?
Strongly support. In my eyes and according to our Constitution, all people ae created equal, so all people should be treated equally.
Q9
In December 2019, Governor Justice announced that West Virginia would continue accepting refugees. Do you support or oppose accepting refugees in West Virginia? Under what conditions? Why?
I support helping those less fortunate, but we must control the number of people we let in so the system is not over burdened. New blood is good for our country.
Q10
Over the past few years, some states have continued to erode protections and access to abortion care. Other states have done the opposite and codified abortion rights that had previously been defined by courts. Do you favor further restrictions to abortion, expanding or codifying abortion rights, or taking no action on abortion?
Being a male, I have no right to tell a woman what to do with her body. That being said, I am against abortion for birth control. I would have no further restrictions but would support a lot of counseling.