To impose a life sentence on fentanyl dealers

HB 4988 would impose a life sentence on individuals convicted of knowingly distributing fentanyl, either alone or mixed with other substances. This amendment to West Virginia’s drug law specifically increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking under §60A-4-401(a)(i), replacing standard prison terms with life imprisonment when the dealer knew the substance was fentanyl. It directly affects convicted fentanyl dealers (not users or other drug offenses) who meet the "knowing" threshold. The bill targets fentanyl specifically, as other drug offenses retain lower penalties under the existing code.