‘Iryna’s Law’ passes in North Carolina, but critics doubt it will fix problems that led to stabbing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The deadly August stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail has quickly become a flashpoint for criminal justice reform in North Carolina.

In response, state Republican lawmakers filed Iryna’s Law ( House Bill 307 ) in an apparent effort to prevent similar attacks. But while lawmakers call for a “massive overhaul,” critics and Democratic lawmakers question whether the comprehensive bill addresses the specific problems that led to Zarutska’s death.

On Tuesday, Sept 23, the North Carolina House passed the bill dubbed “Iryna’s Law” after a lengthy afternoon debate. The state Senate passed the bill on Monday.

Iryna’s Law was now headed to the desk of North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, who could sign the bill into law or veto it.

The bill’s passage cam