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Senate passes bill increasing penalties for certain drug offenses after extended debate
Summary
The West Virginia Senate approved Senate Bill 196, referred on the floor as the "Lawrence Law," raising penalties for manufacture, delivery and possession with intent to deliver specified drugs. Debate centered on deterrence versus judicial discretion; final vote was 32–1 with one senator absent.
The West Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 196, known on the floor as the "Lawrence Law," increasing penalties for manufacture, delivery and possession with intent to deliver a set of targeted drugs. The bill passed on a roll-call vote of 32 yays, 1 nay and 1 absent not voting.
Supporters said the measure aims to target large-scale distributors and curb fentanyl-related deaths. "The focus of this bill is to increase penalties for drug related crimes," said the Junior senator from the Seventh during floor…
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