Morgantown, W.Va. – On April 24th, Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 196, known as Lauren’s Law, to increase penalties for crimes involving fentanyl and other deadly substances in West Virginia.  

“On April 24th, 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 legislation is named for Lauren Cole, a 26-year-old Morgantown resident and WVU graduate who died after ingesting drugs unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Governor Morrisey signed the bill into law at Lauren’s Wish, the organization started by Cole’s father after her death.

Lauren’s law amends West Virginia criminal code to increase penalties for drug-related crimes, including: 

• Relaxes the requirement in order to qualify for sentencing enhancement for the delivery of fentanyl. 
• Increases all penalties for transporting fentanyl into the state and conspiracy to transport. 
• Creates mandatory prison sentences for top-tier drug offenses.  
• Creates a new offense for delivery resulting in death, with a mandatory 10-40 year sentence. 
• Creates new offense for drug kingpins with a mandatory sentence 10-40 years.