North Carolina News Summary

North Carolina's legislative landscape has seen significant changes with the enactment of Iryna's Law, a measure aimed at reforming the state's bail system. Named after Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed aboard a Charlotte light rail in August, the law eliminates cashless bail for specific offenses while establishing new categories for violent crimes. Sheriff Garry McFadden has voiced concerns regarding the law's impact, predicting that it, along with House Bill 318, which mandates local law enforcement to detain individuals with ICE holds for 48 hours post-release, could lead to overcrowding in Mecklenburg County Jail within the next two months. According to ABC11, Sheriff McFadden highlighted that the jail could indeed face significant challenges as a result of these legislative changes.

In addition to bail reform, North Carolina is also focusing on economic recovery, as state agencies are urged to effectively utilize the remaining $1.2 billion in COVID relief funds. State Auditor Dave Boliek emphasized the urgency to allocate these funds before they expire in 2026. A recent audit revealed that less than half of the allocated COVID funds had been disbursed, with significant amounts still tied to large-scale infrastructure projects. The Department of Environmental Quality, for example, has yet to draw down $1.7 billion of its $1.9 billion allocation. Meanwhile, the NC Pandemic Recovery Office reports that the state has accelerated its spending on these funds, with 78% of the budget now dispersed, as detailed by The Business North Carolina.

On infrastructural developments, Mecklenburg County has officially established the Mecklenburg-Piedmont Transportation Authority to manage an estimated $19.4 billion in sales tax revenue over the next 30 years. This authority was created to address the region's transportation needs and enhance public transit options, particularly in light of rapid growth. The one-cent sales tax increase, which voters narrowly approved, will take effect in July 2025 and is expected to finance critical projects, including the long-awaited Red Line expansion to Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson, as reported by WCNC Charlotte.

In a different vein, wildlife officials in North Carolina are advising against keeping deer as pets following a series of attacks across various counties, including Iredell and Wilkes. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reported multiple incidents where deer, treated as pets, attacked individuals, leading to injuries. Officials stress that while feeding deer is not illegal, attempts to domesticate them can pose serious risks to both the animals and humans. They remind residents that keeping wild animals in captivity is illegal unless for specific scientific or educational purposes, according to WCNC Charlotte.