NC lawmakers introduce ‘Iryna’s Law’ to target cashless bail after deadly Charlotte stabbing
North Carolina lawmakers introduce “Iryna’s Law” to end cashless bail for violent offenders.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina lawmakers are introducing comprehensive criminal justice legislation dubbed “Iryna’s Law” that would end cashless bail for certain violent offenders and expedite death penalty appeals, with Republican leaders citing concerns about institutional control in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

House Bill 307 aims to restore public confidence in the justice system by ensuring violent offenders face stricter consequences and setting more stringent conditions for pretrial release, according to lawmakers supporting the measure.

“We’re dealing with a local government, really Mecklenburg County and the city of Charlotte, two local governments that in my opinion have lost institutional control of their areas,” Rep. Destin Hall, the Republican House speaker, said.

The legislation would eliminate cashless bail options for certain categories of violent offenders and establish strict conditions that defendants must meet to secure pretrial release. The proposal represents a significant shift away from recent criminal justice reforms that emphasized alternatives to traditional cash bail systems.

The bill was introduced in March, but was altered on Sunday with the title “Iryna’s Law.” The name change comes in the wake of the Aug. 22 stabbing death of 23-year-old Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska on the light rail train in Charlotte’s South End. The case gained national attention and put a focus on transit safety in Charlotte. Decarlos Brown, the murder suspect, had a lengthy criminal history in Mecklenburg County.

Another key provision would require death penalty appeals to be heard within two years of filing, a measure designed to expedite the lengthy appeals process that can stretch for decades in capital cases.

The bill also includes provisions for enhanced oversight of local government spending on crime prevention programs. Hall said lawmakers plan to conduct a comprehensive review of budget allocations in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

“We’re going to go through the entire budget for the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to see where these funds are going,” Hall said.

Addressing the intersection of mental health and criminal behavior, the legislation would mandate that judges order mental health evaluations in certain cases, reflecting growing recognition of the role mental health issues play in criminal conduct.

Supporters frame the reforms as necessary steps to prevent future tragedies and ensure accountability in the criminal justice system.

Lawmakers said these reforms are a step toward ensuring violent offenders face consequences, aiming to prevent tragedies before they happen.