Exclusive: D.A. Ted Bell Blasts Iryna’s Law as “Knee-Jerk Reaction” Burdening Counties

North Carolina’s new Iryna’s Law, House Bill 307, was signed into law by Governor Josh Stein on Oct. 3, tightening bail rules for violent offenders and reinstating the death penalty’s practical use after nearly two decades. However, local prosecutors argue that the law could pose significant challenges for small counties with limited resources.

At the Rutherfordton Hilltop Fall Festival on Oct. 4, District Attorney Ted Bell, a Republican, accompanied by his falcon Atticus at his re-election booth, told WCAB News that laws named after victims often produce unintended consequences. “There’s a saying that laws named after victims are usually not good laws,” Bell said. “It’s a knee-jerk reaction to a unique situation. It doesn’t, might not call for a completely legal or a complete revision.”

Bell has been the district attorney of Rutherford and McDowell counties since 2014, winning re-election in 2018 and 2022.

The law mandates electronic house arrest for certain violent offenders awaiting trial — a provision Bell says counties like Rutherford and McDowell are unprepared to implement. “We just don’t have it set up,” he said. “Most counties, other than the big counties, don’t have it. So I don’t know how that’s going to be solved.”

Bell noted the high cost of electronic monitoring. “Some of the systems are $30 a day,” he said. “Even if they’re ordered to pay, I suspect two-thirds of them won’t be able to.” He added that it remains unclear whether defendants who cannot pay would return to jail or whether the state would cover the cost. “Those are questions that nobody has thought about what the answer is,” Bell said.

Bell’s comments come as he faces a Republican primary challenge from Assistant Public Defender David Norris. Filing opens in December ahead of the March 2026 primary, with the winner moving on to the November 2026 general election. 

While the law is intended to protect victims and restore public confidence, Bell said the reality for smaller counties could be complicated.