Senate floor renames portions of drug-penalty bill ‘Lauren’s Law’ in memory of victim

During second reading on March 7 the Senate adopted an amendment to Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 196 that, according to sponsors, designates certain changes to criminal code provisions addressing drug delivery resulting in death and failure to render aid as "Lauren's Law." The amendment was offered by Senators Hilton and Oliverio and discussed on the floor.

A senator who identified herself as a co-sponsor described Lauren Renee Cole as a Monongalia County native and WVU graduate whose death from a lethal dose of fentanyl spurred community action. "Lauren's death has created, tremendous interest in our community in the problems associated with fentanyl and other illegal drug use," the senior senator from the thirteenth said. The senator also described a local program, Lauren's Wish, a facility in Morgantown providing services for individuals affected by substance use, and said advocates hope to replicate similar services statewide.

Floor procedure: the amendment was explained by its mover and then supported by multiple senators. The amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered engrossed in advance of third reading. The transcript does not record a separate roll-call vote tally for the amendment adoption on the floor; subsequent procedural language indicates the bill will advance.

Actions: Amendment to Senate Bill 196 (designation of certain statutory changes as "Lauren's Law") — adopted; bill to be engrossed and advanced toward third reading.

The amendment and the remarks on the floor tie the statutory changes to local advocacy and service efforts; the measure will continue through the legislative process.