This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a mandatory three-year prison sentence for individuals convicted of possessing Schedule I or II controlled substances, excluding cannabis. It introduces specific exceptions for individuals who are incidentally exposed to these substances or who are compelled to possess them. Additionally, the bill allows for a conditional discharge for first-time offenders and includes provisions for a non-extraditable warrant that permits individuals to be released with a bus ticket to any state west of the Mississippi River after serving one year of their sentence.

The bill also modifies existing legal language regarding the possession, use, and consumption of controlled substances, expanding the definitions and penalties associated with these offenses. It includes a provision for individuals convicted under the new mandatory sentencing law to potentially receive a conditional discharge and participate in drug treatment programs as part of their rehabilitation. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen penalties for serious drug offenses while providing avenues for rehabilitation for first-time offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 60A-4-401, 60A-4-407, 60A-4-407a