North Carolina Gov. Stein Signs 'Iryna's Law' Tightening Bail After Charlotte Train Murder

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed "Iryna's Law," a criminal justice reform bill named after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train. The law, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, restricts cashless bail for certain violent crimes and repeat offenders, increases mental health evaluations for defendants, and limits judicial discretion in pretrial release decisions. Despite Stein's support for the bill's focus on public safety, he criticized its shortcomings, including a controversial provision to restart executions in the state, which he opposed as "barbaric." The legislation came amid Republican accusations, including from President Donald Trump, blaming Democrats for being soft on crime, particularly in light of the suspect's repeated arrests and releases prior to the stabbing. While supporters argue the bill helps keep dangerous criminals off the streets, critics note it does not address root causes of violent crime such as mental health and reintegration services. The law seeks to balance enhanced public safety measures with ongoing debates over criminal justice reforms and the reinstatement of the death penalty in North Carolina.