News Summary
North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein has signed Iryna’s Law, a sweeping criminal justice reform aimed at preventing violent crimes and addressing issues such as bail procedures and mental health evaluations. The law prohibits cashless bail for certain violent offenses and enhances the authority of judicial officials. Despite some bipartisan support, Governor Stein criticized the law for lacking sufficient public safety measures, particularly regarding law enforcement funding. The legislation also seeks to reinstate the death penalty, which has been inactive since 2006, sparking debate within the political arena regarding its implications.
Charlotte, North Carolina — October 3, 2025
North Carolina’s Governor, Josh Stein, has signed into law a comprehensive criminal justice measure, known as Iryna’s Law. The legislation was enacted amidst public outrage over a violent incident in Charlotte that resulted in the death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. This marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to criminal justice, especially in the areas of bail procedures, mental health evaluations, and the death penalty.
Key Provisions of Iryna’s Law
The new law primarily targets violent crime prevention and criminal justice reforms. It explicitly prohibits cashless bail for specific violent offenses and for many repeat offenders, aiming to reduce instances where accused individuals are released pretrial through financial means. Additionally, the law limits the discretion of magistrates and judges in pretrial release decisions, creating a more standardized process for inmate bail determinations.
Another critical aspect of the law is the empowerment of the state chief justice to suspend magistrates if deemed necessary, enhancing oversight over judicial officers. The legislation also mandates more mental health evaluations for defendants, reflecting a focus on addressing underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.
Governor’s Criticism and Public Safety Concerns
Governor Stein expressed concerns about the law’s scope, criticizing it for not incorporating his proposals aimed at enhancing public safety. Unlike the legislation, which emphasizes bail restrictions and mental health assessments, Stein advocates for increased funding and pay for law enforcement personnel. He remarked that the law lacks ambition and vision, asserting that it “does not do enough to keep you safe”.
Reinstating the Death Penalty and Related Provisions
Iryna’s Law also includes provisions to restart executions in North Carolina, which have not occurred since 2006. The legislation stipulates that certain appeals for death-row inmates must be resolved by the end of 2027. It also suggests the possibility of implementing alternative methods of execution if lethal injection is found to be unconstitutional or unavailable.
Strict opposition to the idea of firing squads as a method of execution was voiced by Governor Stein, who called such a measure “barbaric”. He explicitly stated, “there will be no firing squads in North Carolina during my time as governor,” reaffirming his stance against this approach.
Recent Violence and Statewide Response
The law’s passage was partly driven by recent violent incidents, including a mass shooting at a waterfront bar in southeastern North Carolina that resulted in three fatalities. Governor Stein emphasized the need for improved mental health services and stricter gun control measures to prevent future tragedies.
Political Reactions and Bipartisan Support
The legislation received a mixed political response. It garnered bipartisan support in the House, with 17 Democrats voting in favor. However, opposition was strong among Senate Democrats, who criticized the inclusion of death penalty provisions. Some senators staged a walkout during the vote, expressing their disagreement with the bill’s death-related aspects.
Details of the Crime and Its Political Fallout
The incident that prompted Iryna’s Law involved the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska by DeCarlos Brown Jr.. Zarutska was a Ukrainian refugee living in North Carolina. Brown, who has an extensive criminal record with more than a dozen arrests, was charged with first-degree murder following the incident. Critics have argued that his prior criminal history reflects potential flaws in the state’s previous criminal justice approach and accuse Democrats of leniency that allowed him to remain free.
Immediate Effectiveness of the Law
Following Governor Stein’s signature, Iryna’s Law went into immediate effect, marking a significant new chapter in North Carolina’s criminal justice policies. The legislation’s passage signals a shift toward stricter measures for violent offenders, while also reigniting debates about the death penalty and criminal justice reform across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NC Newsline
- Wikipedia: Criminal Justice
- ABC News
- Google Search: North Carolina crime bill
- News Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- New York Times
- Google News: Iryna’s Law
- Axios
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
