New Criminal Justice Reform Bill Signed in North Carolina
A significant criminal justice reform bill, named after Irina Zaltzka—a Ukrainian refugee who lost her life on Charlotte’s light rail—has been signed into law by the governor of North Carolina.
The legislation, known as House Bill 307, or “Iryna’s Law,” received widespread support in the state legislature, which is primarily Republican. It was officially enacted by Democratic Governor Josh Stein on Friday.
This new law includes provisions that could potentially allow the death penalty via firing squad to resume in North Carolina, although lethal injection remains the sole method currently permitted.
Additionally, the law would address legal challenges that have paused the death penalty’s implementation in various states since 2006. Reportedly, it mandates that death penalty appeals be heard within two years of filing. Right now, North Carolina has 122 inmates on death row.
The reforms also demand increased mental health assessments for defendants, particularly those accused of violent crimes. Certain violent offenders will face restrictions on cash bail, limiting judicial discretion regarding their pre-trial release.
Decarlos Brown Jr., the suspect in Zaltzka’s murder, had a history of multiple arrests and was out on cash bail when the fatal stabbing occurred. Authorities noted that he had mental health issues, and had previously been hospitalized.
Currently facing both federal and state charges, Brown could be subject to the death penalty if convicted.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of carefully assessing individuals who may pose a significant risk before granting bail, stating this is a key reason for signing the bill into law.
Previously, Stein had expressed reservations about provisions that would enable executions by firing squad. Nevertheless, Republican lawmakers have defended this aspect of the bill, arguing that it’s not a new practice and has been seen as a reliable method of execution amid evolving standards for lethal injections.
Despite supporting the bill, Governor Stein asserted that North Carolina would not implement firing squad executions as long as he is in office, which will continue until January 2029.
