Q1

Please provide some basic information about  yourself.

Name Jason Stephens

Office Sought House of Delegates 19 District

City/Town Wayne

Email Address j45stephens@gmail.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?

Legislate law to provide more probation to none violate crimes, Although a fee be required so taxpayers not paying for monitoring, This path can't continue as it is.

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?

I do not believe someone who has not been convicted of a crime be the victim of civil asset forfeiture. Most people can't afford monies to pay for legal protection against this. To me this is nothing more than robbery by the system. This must be changed..

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?

We must make law for every citizen to have 100% due process, every person should have the opportunity for bail. Non violent crimes must be put on bail to prevent the cost to county's, basically the taxpayers.

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?

Most are related to drugs, we must provide sweeping change to drug rehab and drug courts. Give family's more opportunities to help with children displaced before they enter the system.

Q6

West Virginia has a very low voter participation rate.  What changes, if any, would you make to increase voter participation?

Well there needs to be more coverage what's going on in Charleston, I propose a bipartisan committee to form a newscast basically to air throughout WV to let taxpayers know what's happening in Charleston, They need to be more transparency with their lawmakers. I think this would drive up participation much more

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?

I'm 100% in support of faith based elective activities of the students choice. I think it could have a big impact on preventative steps avoiding drugs.

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?

I do not support this, A lot of WV's people are church going faith believing people that do not support same sex couples renting to them. I think that goes against much of the citizens religion. I know it does mine.

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 am 100% for any legal immigrants coming to WV. I welcome it, although I do not support taking any more refugees in WV, we absolutely can't afford it. We must help WV first, then maybe helping others, how can we help when we are 47th in the nation?

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?

I am 100% against Abortion, I feel it is murder. There is lots of families would love to have children that can't. They would love to have the opportunity to take the child rather than kill it.