West Virginia Senate Passes Lauren's Law, Increasing Fentanyl Offense Penalties

The West Virginia Senate passed Lauren's Law, also known as Senate Bill 196, aimed at increasing penalties for drug-related offenses, particularly those involving fentanyl. The legislation was named after Lauren Cole, who died from drugs laced with fentanyl in 2020, and it passed with a 32-1 vote. The bill proposes significant amendments to the state's criminal code, increasing minimum sentences for manufacturing and distributing various controlled substances, including fentanyl, from one year to three years, and introduces mandatory minimum sentences for transporting drugs into the state. Additionally, it elevates maximum fines to $50,000 and restricts alternative sentencing options for serious drug offenses. Proponents, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Stuart, emphasize the bill's intent to combat drug trafficking and protect families. The bill now moves to the House of Delegates for further consideration.