Governor Patrick Morrisey has continued to take action by signing additional legislation into law. Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 196, known as Lauren’s Law, to strengthen penalties for crimes involving fentanyl and other dangerous substances in West Virginia.
The new law sends a strong message to drug dealers that they will face serious consequences for contributing to the state’s drug epidemic. Lauren’s Law was named in honor of Lauren Cole, a 26-year-old Morgantown resident and WVU graduate who lost her life after unknowingly ingesting drugs laced with fentanyl. Governor Morrisey signed the legislation at Lauren’s Wish, an organization founded by Lauren’s father following her death.
Lauren’s law amends the West Virginia criminal code to increase penalties for drug related crimes, including:
- Enhances sentencing 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 a new offense for drug kingpins with a mandatory sentence of 10-40 years.
Additionally, Governor Morrisey reaffirmed his commitment to protecting West Virginians’ constitutional rights by signing new legislation that strengthens the state’s support for the Second Amendment. - House Bill 2067, which ensures firearm companies are not held liable for the actions of those who use their products.
- House Bill 3342, which prohibits banks that contract with the state from discriminating against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.
- Senate Bill 270, which prohibits the government from suspending gun rights during declared emergencies or disaster responses.
In his first one hundred days, Governor Morrisey instructed state agencies to develop ideas for making West Virginia more economically competitive with neighboring states and to suggest ways to cut wasteful spending. He plans to begin sharing these recommendations in the coming weeks and is also getting ready to address key issues like PEIA and improving education outcomes.
During the 2025 legislative session, West Virginia became the first state to ban certain food dyes and additives. Across the country, 23 other states are also working to pass similar bans, showing a bipartisan effort to create safer food systems.
Governor Morrisey joined Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary to introduce new efforts aimed at removing all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply.
The FDA is moving to eliminate synthetic food dyes by setting a national transition plan, revoking approval for some dyes, and pushing for the removal of others by next year. It will also approve new natural color additives, speed up reviews, and work with the NIH to study the impact of food additives on children’s health.
With April quickly passing and May coming fast there are several community events coming soon. On May 2nd, the Gilmer County Senior Center will have their annual Purse Bingo. Doors open at 5:50 PM.
The Frametown Volunteer Fire Department will be having Governor Patrick Morrisey has continued to take action by signing additional legislation into law. Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 196, known as Lauren’s Law, to strengthen penalties for crimes involving fentanyl and other dangerous substances in West Virginia.
The new law sends a strong message to drug dealers that they will face serious consequences for contributing to the state’s drug epidemic. Lauren’s Law was named in honor of Lauren Cole, a 26-year-old Morgantown resident and WVU graduate who lost her life after unknowingly ingesting drugs laced with fentanyl. Governor Morrisey signed the legislation at Lauren’s Wish, an organization founded by Lauren’s father following her death.
Lauren’s law amends the West Virginia criminal code to increase penalties for drug related crimes, including: - Enhances sentencing 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 a new offense for drug kingpins with a mandatory sentence of 10-40 years.
Additionally, Governor Morrisey reaffirmed his commitment to protecting West Virginians’ constitutional rights by signing new legislation that strengthens the state’s support for the Second Amendment. - House Bill 2067, which ensures firearm companies are not held liable for the actions of those who use their products.
- House Bill 3342, which prohibits banks that contract with the state from discriminating against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.
- Senate Bill 270, which prohibits the government from suspending gun rights during declared emergencies or disaster responses.
In his first one hundred days, Governor Morrisey instructed state agencies to develop ideas for making West Virginia more economically competitive with neighboring states and to suggest ways to cut wasteful spending. He plans to begin sharing these recommendations in the coming weeks and is also getting ready to address key issues like PEIA and improving education outcomes.
During the 2025 legislative session, West Virginia became the first state to ban certain food dyes and additives. Across the country, 23 other states are also working to pass similar bans, showing a bipartisan effort to create safer food systems.
Governor Morrisey joined Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary to introduce new efforts aimed at removing all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply.
The FDA is moving to eliminate synthetic food dyes by setting a national transition plan, revoking approval for some dyes, and pushing for the removal of others by next year. It will also approve new natural color additives, speed up reviews, and work with the NIH to study the impact of food additives on children’s health.
With April quickly passing and May coming fast there are several community events coming soon. On May 2nd, the Gilmer County Senior Center will have their annual Purse Bingo. Doors open at 5:50 PM.
The Frametown Volunteer Fire Department will be having
their annual Ramp Dinner on Sunday, May 4th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Please check local newspapers and Facebook for more information about the terrific events happening in the district.
We have certainly had our share of April showers, and I am looking forward to the May flowers. End of school activities are in process. Some school calendars have been altered due to school days missed due to inclement weather. Please check with your local county school systems for updated information.
“May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”
(Emily Brontë)
I look forward to hearing from people in the district and hope to see you out and about enjoying all the great things our area has to offer. I can be contacted at lori.dittman@wv house.gov or 304-701-8600.
their annual Ramp Dinner on Sunday, May 4th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Please check local newspapers and Facebook for more information about the terrific events happening in the district.
We have certainly had our share of April showers, and I am looking forward to the May flowers. End of school activities are in process. Some school calendars have been altered due to school days missed due to inclement weather. Please check with your local county school systems for updated information.
“May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”
(Emily Brontë)
I look forward to hearing from people in the district and hope to see you out and about enjoying all the great things our area has to offer. I can be contacted at lori.dittman@wv house.gov or 304-701-8600.
