NC House Passes Iryna’s Law to Crack Down on Violent Offenders and Protect Public Safety
Raleigh, NC — Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 307, “Iryna’s Law,” with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority. Named in memory of Iryna Zarutska—who was tragically murdered in Charlotte last month by a repeat violent offender released pretrial despite severe mental health issues—the legislation takes direct aim at soft-on-crime policies and ensures stronger protections for victims and communities. The bill now heads to the Governor's desk for his consideration.
Key provisions of Iryna’s Law include:
Ending cashless bail: Certain defendants will no longer be released on a mere written promise to appear in court.
Stricter rules for violent offenders: Creates a new “violent offense” category requiring secured bond or house arrest with GPS monitoring for first-time offenders under pretrial release, and mandatory house arrest with monitoring for second-time offenders. For defendants with three or more convictions in the past 10 years—violent or not—judges must impose a secured bond or electronic monitoring.
Restricting judicial loopholes: Reduces magistrates’ and judges’ discretion that has allowed violent and repeat offenders to walk free before trial.
Mandatory mental health evaluations: Judicial officials must order an evaluation if a defendant is charged with a violent offense and has been involuntarily committed within the past three years, or if credible evidence shows a current mental health crisis. If medical professionals determine the defendant poses a danger, involuntary commitment proceedings must begin before pretrial release conditions are set.
Death penalty reforms: Restoring enforcement by requiring appeals to be heard within two years, resolving older appeals within one year, holding hearings in the county of conviction, and adding an aggravating factor for capital felonies committed against victims using public transportation.
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) said, “For too long, activist judges and magistrates have turned dangerous criminals loose, endangering lives and spreading chaos in our communities. That ends now. Iryna Zarutska’s murder is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake. That’s why we are delivering some of the strongest tough-on-crime reforms in North Carolina history.”
Rep. Tricia Cotham (R-Mecklenburg) said, “No family should have to endure what Iryna’s family has suffered. People across Mecklenburg County and North Carolina should never have to fear for their safety in their own neighborhoods. Iryna’s Law prevents violent offenders from walking free and ensures that those who threaten our community face real consequences before they can harm another soul.”
Rep. David Willis (R-Union) said, “Iryna’s Law puts common-sense limits on pretrial release, ensures violent offenders cannot get out scot-free, and protects our neighbors, our children, and our communities from preventable harm.”
House Majority Leader Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said, “We are sending a clear message: North Carolina will not tolerate allowing violent criminals to walk free on our streets. Iryna’s Law strengthens protections for our citizens and restores accountability in our courts, because the safety of our families and communities comes first.”
House Judiciary 2 Committee Chairwoman Sarah Stevens (R-Surry) said, “Iryna’s Law is about more than punishment; it’s about prevention. By requiring mental health evaluations and stricter pretrial conditions for violent offenders, we are taking decisive steps to stop tragedies before they happen.”
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