North Carolina Governor Signs 'Iryna's Law' Tightening Bail, Restarts Death Penalty After Refugee Murder

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, responding to the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, signed "Iryna's Law," which tightens bail regulations by ending cashless bail for violent offenders and imposing stricter scrutiny on repeat offenders and those accused of violent crimes. The law aims to prevent dangerous individuals from being released prematurely, addressing public safety concerns sparked by Zarutska's murder, which involved a suspect with a lengthy criminal history. While Stein supports the law's intent to increase safety, he criticizes aspects such as the legislature's move to expedite death penalty appeals and consider firing squads, which he opposes. Republicans, including House Speaker Destin Hall and Senator Phil Berger, praise the law as a vital step toward justice and public safety, calling for tougher crime policies and the revival of the death penalty. Stein also advocates for a broader public safety agenda that includes more police officers, violence prevention, better mental health services, and gun control measures, highlighting the complex challenges behind crime reduction. Despite bipartisan support for the law, some Democrats and sheriffs express concerns about jail overcrowding and the law's overall effectiveness in addressing root causes of violence.