Gov. Stein signs ‘Iryna’s Law’ with apprehension, calls for more legislation

RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gov. Josh Stein signed a bill Friday that aims to crack down on crime across North Carolina. “Iryna’s Law” was passed last week by state legislators and was inspired by the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarustka on the Blue Line Aug. 22. 

Much of the bill focuses on eliminating cashless bail for many crimes, holding people with violent criminal histories in jail more often and requiring more training for magistrates. 

In a video posted on Stein’s social media, the governor says the Republican-led bill, House Bill 307, isn’t without faults. 

“The law fails to focus appropriately on the on the threat that people pose instead of their ability to post bail,” he said. “Most alarmingly, the General Assembly aims to bring execution by firing squad to North Carolina. It’s barbaric; there will be no firing squad in North Carolina during my time as governor.” 

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The suspect accused of killing Zarustka, Decarlos Brown Jr., has a long criminal history, and had been released for a non-violent crime in January. His mom says he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and she had him involuntarily committed in the past.

Other state Democrats have expressed concerns about the bill, and sheriffs are warning of overcrowding of jails.

In addition to Iryna’s Law, Stein requests the GA to also pass his own public safety bill. 

“Beyond those specific concerns, I’m troubled by its lack of ambition or vision. It simply does not do enough to keep you safe.”  

Stein says his proposal includes hiring more officers, programs to prevent violence, gang activity and drug use. 

“If we’re serious about making people safer, we have to acknowledge the role that guns and mental health play in violence across the country. We can respect people’s second amendment rights while making ensuring that anyone who is violent or dangerously mentally ill does not have access to guns. Let’s use comprehensive background checks to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals and dangerous people.”