Drug dealers will face increased penalties in West Virginia after Lauren’s Law signed by Gov. Morrisey
By Autumn Shelton, RealWV
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Lauren’s Law, also known as Senate Bill 196, was signed by Gov. Morrisey on Thursday during a ceremony held at the nonprofit organization Lauren’s Wish, a substance abuse recovery facility named after Lauren Renee Cole, a 26-year-old Morgantown resident and WVU graduate who lost her life in 2020 after ingesting fentanyl laced drugs.
Lauren’s Law, introduced by lead sponsor Sen. Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier, on February 12, increases the penalties for those who sell fentanyl and other deadly drugs in the state of West Virginia.
“Under this legislation, [criminals] would be penalized by up to 40 years in prison,” Morrisey explained. “Additionally, anyone guilty of transporting a controlled substance into the state will also face stricter penalties – up to 30 years for more than five grams of fentanyl. We’re targeting those dealers.”
Lauren’s Law enhances sentencing for fentanyl delivery, creates mandatory sentences for those found guilty of top-tier drug offenses, creates a new offense for delivery resulting in death, and creates a new offense for drug kingpins, including a mandatory ten to 40 year sentence, according to Morrisey.
During the bill signing ceremony, Morrisey expressed his gratitude for Cherie and Michael Cole, Lauren’s parents.
“You’ve been so brave,” Morrisey said to the Cole’s, who were in attendance.
Michael Cole said that Lauren’s Law is not just for Lauren, but for all those who have been lost to overdoses.
“West Virginia has unfortunately led the country in the number of overdose deaths per capita for fourteen years in a row. Enough’s enough.” Cole said. “We’re gonna make the penalties more severe so it’s not inviting for them to come. You’re not gonna sell today and be on the street tomorrow. You’re not going to target our youth. You’re not going to take a generation away from us. You’re not gonna do it here.”
Morrisey concluded by thanking legislators and all those who helped make this latest law possible.
“To be able to take such tragedies and hopefully turn them into things that are going to lead to saving the lives of so many people in the future . . . it’s not easy,” Morrisey said. “My heart goes out to all of you, but now you have a chance to build from the ashes and do some incredible things to help save another generation from senseless death.”
