General Assembly to take up ‘Iryna’s Law,’ package of criminal justice reforms
Raleigh, NC (WWAY) — State lawmakers are set to consider a sweeping package of criminal justice reforms this week, with supporters saying the changes are designed to close gaps in the system that allowed violent offenders back on the streets.
The proposal, House Bill 307, also known as “Iryna’s Law”, comes after the August 22 murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. Legislative leaders say the bill is aimed at tightening pretrial release rules, addressing mental health in the justice system, and reviving North Carolina’s death penalty.
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) said the measure “eliminates dangerous cashless bail policies, holds magistrates accountable, [and] sets a new standard requiring judicial officials to order mental health evaluations and, when necessary, involuntary commitment.”
Key provisions of the bill include:
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Eliminating cashless bail for certain offenses.
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Creating a category of “violent offenses” requiring GPS monitoring, house arrest, or secured bond for pretrial release.
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Mandating stricter release conditions for repeat offenders, including secured bond and electronic monitoring.
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Requiring judicial officials to order mental health evaluations in certain cases and initiate commitment proceedings when needed.
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Setting strict timelines for death penalty appeals and adding new aggravating factors for capital cases.
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Requiring judges and magistrates to provide written findings when setting pretrial release conditions, with failure to do so considered grounds for removal.
The legislation also directs researchers to study the intersection of mental health and the justice system and explore additional methods of execution.
Lawmakers are expected to debate the bill during the General Assembly’s session this week.
