A powerful new bill named in memory of a young fentanyl victim has advanced through the West Virginia House of Delegates. On Friday, lawmakers voted 98-1 in favor of Senate Bill 196, known as Lauren’s Law, which aims to impose tougher penalties on drug traffickers, especially those tied to large-scale operations and fatal overdoses.
The bill honors Lauren Renee Cole, a 26-year-old from Morgantown who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2020. The two individuals responsible for providing her with fentanyl-laced heroin were sentenced to 15 years in prison. Lawmakers said her story inspired them to act.
“A portion of this law relates to a young lady named Lauren Cole,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman JB Akers, R-Kanawha. “We urge the passage of this bill and keep her family in our thoughts.”
What Lauren’s Law Does
The bill significantly increases penalties for trafficking Schedule I and II drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Among its key provisions:
- Minimum sentence for drug delivery resulting in death increases from 3 years to 10 years.
- Failure to render aid during an overdose now carries a minimum of 2 years, up from 1.
- Introduces mandatory minimum sentences for transporting large quantities of hard drugs into West Virginia.
- Limits the use of probation, home incarceration, or sentence suspension for serious drug trafficking crimes.
The House Judiciary Committee made major amendments to the Senate’s original bill. One of the most notable changes was removing the weight-based sentencing for simple possession with intent to deliver. Now, weight thresholds only apply to transportation and conspiracy charges.
Targeting Drug Kingpins
Lauren’s Law also introduces a new section aimed at so-called drug kingpins—those who fund or manage large drug operations. These individuals will now face enhanced penalties, similar to laws already in place in states like Maryland.
“If you’re a financier of a drug trade, there will now be mandatory minimums,” said Akers. “This will be the first time we’ve had such a provision in West Virginia.”
Debate Over Impact
While the bill received overwhelming support, Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, cast the lone dissenting vote. He supported the goal of cracking down on major traffickers but voiced concerns that the law could unintentionally ensnare low-level offenders.
“I know we’re trying to go after the big fish,” Pushkin said. “But when you cast such a wide net, you’re going to catch some little fish as well.”
With the House’s amendments in place, SB 196 now returns to the Senate for final approval. If signed into law, Lauren’s Law will mark a major step in West Virginia’s fight against the opioid and fentanyl crisis.
