Several new state laws took effect in North Carolina on Monday, December 1. Among them is House Bill 307, known as “Iryna’s Law,” named after Iryna Zarutska, who was killed on a Charlotte light-rail train in August. The incident drew widespread attention to public safety concerns. Governor Josh Stein signed the bill after it passed with bipartisan support.
According to published reports, Mecklenburg County officials say additional funding will be needed to fully implement the law. Provisions include stricter bail requirements for many violent offenses, new protocols for judges and magistrates ordering mental health evaluations, and funding for more prosecutors.
Other legislation now in effect includes House Bill 193, which permits employees and volunteers at private schools to carry firearms and stun guns on school grounds under certain conditions. Individuals must have written authorization from the school’s board of trustees or administrative director, hold a concealed handgun permit, and complete a training course. The law also allows firearms at religious services if a private school is connected to the place of worship.
Another measure, House Bill 805, titled “Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Women and Minors,” introduces new requirements for pornographic websites. The law mandates age verification to ensure users are 18 or older and requires written consent from every individual appearing in images, along with separate written consent for each depicted sexual act. The legislation also requires websites to establish a process for removing images, designate staff to handle removals, and post clear instructions for submitting removal requests, which must be fulfilled within 72 hours. Civil penalties for violations may reach up to $10,000 per day.
