MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 196, known as Lauren’s Law, on Wednesday, increasing penalties for fentanyl-related and other serious drug offenses in West Virginia.
“Today, we’re sending a message to the drug pushers trying to poison our citizens: In West Virginia, you will be held accountable,” said Governor Morrisey.
“Lauren’s Law will be instrumental in helping our state deal with the drug epidemic and takes direct aim at the drug dealers. I’m thankful to the Legislature for passing this bill and to Lauren’s parents, Michael and Cherie, for being instrumental in the process.”
The law is named in memory of Lauren Cole, a 26-year-old Morgantown resident and West Virginia University graduate who died after unknowingly ingesting drugs laced with fentanyl.
The bill signing took place at Lauren’s Wish, a recovery-focused organization started by Cole’s father following her death.
Lauren’s Law makes several changes to West Virginia’s criminal code:
- Enhances sentencing for the delivery of fentanyl
- Increases all penalties for transporting fentanyl into the state and conspiracy to transport
- Establishes mandatory prison sentences for top-tier drug offenses
- Creates a new offense for delivery resulting in death, with a mandatory 10-to-40 year sentence
- Establishes a new offense for drug kingpins, also with a mandatory 10-to-40 year sentence
The new law aims to curb the flow of fentanyl into West Virginia and hold drug traffickers more accountable.
