September News from the NC Legislature

Although the North Carolina Legislature is out of "official" session, Representative Matthew Winslow (District 7), has provided updates on where bills stand. You can review each bill by clicking on the highlighted bill number.

New Laws

HB 125: Continuing Budget Operations.

Date: 8/6/2025

Status: Became Law/Ch. SL 2025-89

SB 55: Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons.

Date: 8/6/2025

Status: Became Law/Ch. SL 2025-88

SB 775: General Assembly Appointments.

Date: 9/24/2025

Status: Became Law/Ch. SL 2025-90

Waiting on the Governor

HB 307: Iryna's Law.

Date: 9/23/2025

Status: Pres. To Gov. 9/23/2025

According to Representative Winslow, House Bill 307, “Iryna’s Law,” confronts the soft-on-crime policies that

allowed a mentally ill, violent repeat offender to roam free and

tragically take the life of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte on August 22,

2025.

What’s in Iryna’s Law:

End Cashless Bail:

○ Defendants can no longer be released solely on a promise to

appear.

○ Ensures dangerous individuals face appropriate pretrial

restrictions.

Tougher Rules for Violent Offenders:

○ First-time violent offenders: secured bond or house arrest

with GPS monitoring.

○ Second-time offenders: mandatory house arrest with

monitoring.

○ Repeat offenders (3+ convictions in 10 years): secured bond

or electronic monitoring required.

○ Sends a clear message: repeat violence without consequences

will not be tolerated.

Restricting Judicial Loopholes:

○ Limits judicial discretion that has allowed violent or repeat

offenders to be released pretrial.

○ Judges and magistrates must follow clear, uniform procedures.

Mandatory Mental Health Evaluations:

○ Required for any defendant charged with a violent offense who

has a recent involuntary commitment or ongoing mental health

crisis.

○ If professionals deem the individual a danger, involuntary

commitment must occur before pretrial release.

Death Penalty Reforms:

○ Appeals for capital cases must be completed within two years;

older pending appeals resolved within one year.

○ Hearings occur in the county where the crime was committed.

○ Adds an aggravating factor for capital crimes against victims

using public transportation.

Mandatory Criminal History Review:

○ Judges must review prior convictions before setting pretrial

release.

○ Written findings of fact are required for all pretrial decisions.

○ Those who fail to follow procedures face removal.

HB 358 (= SB 51): Continuing Budget Operations Part II.

Date: 9/23/2025

Status: Pres. To Gov. 9/23/2025

HB 926: Regulatory Reform Act of 2025.

Date: 9/25/2025

Status: Pres. To Gov. 9/25/2025

SB 245: Expand Remote Drivers License Services.

Date: 9/24/2025

Status: Pres. To Gov. 9/24/2025

In Committee

HB 96 (= SB 71): Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons.

Date: 8/26/2025