West Virginia Senate Bill 196 Increases Penalties for Drug-Related Crimes
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Publication

West Virginia Senate Bill 196 Increases Penalties for Drug-Related Crimes

December 23, 2025
|
Intelligence
|
Download Document

On April 12, 2025, Senate Bill 196, also known as Lauren’s Law, was passed by the West Virginia State Legislature. Effective July 11, 2025, Lauren’s Law amends the West Virginia criminal code to increase penalties for drug-related crimes, particularly those involving fentanyl. The law’s criminal justice approach supplements the state’s successful treatment and prevention efforts, which have reportedly contributed to a decline in overdose deaths that surpassed the national average decrease from November 2023 to November 2024.

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West Virginia Senate Bill 196 Increases Penalties for Drug Related Crimes.pdf
Fentanyl
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