Charlotte, NC – The North Carolina Senate passed Iryna’s Law, also known as House Bill 307, designed to make it harder for accused violent offenders to be released without posting cash bail. The bill is named after Irina Zarutska, 23, a Ukrainian woman killed on August 22 during a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train.
Senate Approval and House Action
The measure passed the Senate 28-8 on Monday evening and will now be taken up by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Details of the Case
DeCarlos Brown Jr., 34, is accused of first-degree murder in Zarutska’s death. Brown had a history of mental health issues and an extensive criminal record, including armed robbery. He was aboard the train under a “written promise to appear” for a nonviolent misdemeanor involving misuse of the 911 emergency system.
Key Provisions of Iryna’s Law
Sen. Danny Britt, R-Robeson, presented the legislation, which includes:
- Eliminating written promises to appear that allow violent defendants to avoid cash bail.
- Requiring judges to order mental health evaluations for defendants charged with violent crimes if they had been involuntarily committed in the previous three years. Judges must also order evaluations when there is reason to believe a defendant is experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Funding for 10 additional assistant district attorneys in Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located.
“We believe this bill makes North Carolina safer and helps to promote law and order,” Britt told the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Legislative Process
After Senate approval, the bill moves to the Senate Rules Committee, with a floor vote possible afterward.
Other Legislation
The committee also approved the Regulatory Reform Act of 2025, known as House Bill 926, which reforms licensing regulations for some of 186 professions in the state.
What are your thoughts on Iryna’s Law and its impact on bail and public safety in North Carolina? Share your opinions in the comments below!
