North Carolina Considers Landmark Gang Law Overhaul in Wake of Tragedy

A legislative proposal, dubbed ‘Jaleeyah’s Law,’ is poised to enact the most substantial revisions to North Carolina’s gang statutes in over a decade. The bill aims to broaden the definition of gang membership and impose stricter penalties for gang-related offenses, spurred by a grieving mother’s advocacy following her daughter’s tragic death.

Whitney Brown-Tune, whose 13-year-old daughter Jaleeyah Tune was fatally shot in December 2025, has become a driving force behind House Bill 1173. The circumstances surrounding Jaleeyah’s death, which resulted in the arrest of three teenagers, remain under investigation. However, the profound loss has galvanized Brown-Tune to seek legislative change.

“This bill is not just a paper to me,” Brown-Tune declared at a press conference held at Goldsboro City Hall. “This is my child’s name, this is my pain, this is my fight, and this is my purpose to believe that I will keep speaking to her.” Her impassioned plea underscores the personal significance of the proposed legislation, which she views as a critical step toward preventing similar tragedies.

Expanding Definitions and Enhancing Enforcement

If enacted, ‘Jaleeyah’s Law’ would represent a significant departure from the state’s current legal framework, which has largely remained unchanged since the Gang Suppression Act of 2008. The proposed bill seeks to lower the threshold for law enforcement to formally charge individuals with gang membership or participation in gang activities. Proponents argue that the current laws present considerable challenges for prosecutors in building and sustaining gang-related cases.

Representative John Bell (R-Wayne), the bill’s primary sponsor, explained that Brown-Tune approached him with reform ideas following her daughter’s death. “We’re here today because a mother said, ‘I lost my daughter, but we’re not gonna lose another one,’” Bell stated, highlighting the maternal drive behind the legislative effort.

The bill’s development involved collaboration with the State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys. Key provisions include the creation of two statewide resource prosecutors and a dedicated criminal investigator tasked with focusing on gang-related cases, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Furthermore, the legislation would empower prosecutors to pursue gang-related charges in any county where a portion of the alleged criminal activity transpired, offering greater jurisdictional flexibility.

Chuck Spahos, a lobbyist for the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys, emphasized the need for enhanced prosecutorial tools. “Hopefully, some good can come, and some badly needed tweaks to existing law,” Spahos commented. “Some enhancements in the existing law can put some real teeth in North Carolina’s gang suppression statute.”

Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward

Representative Bell articulated that the bill’s core objective is to mitigate gang violence and ensure accountability for those who orchestrate criminal activities, including individuals who recruit or direct younger people to commit crimes. “You’ve got to be able to go after every single one of them and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” he asserted.

However, the proposed legislation has also drawn criticism. Concerns have been raised by organizations such as the ACLU of North Carolina, which argues that the bill lowers the bar for identifying gang members too significantly. The ACLU points to the potential for designation based on just two criteria, compared to the current three, which can include tattoos, attire, hand signals, gang-associated language, social media activity, or identification by a trusted source. Reighlah Collins, policy counsel for the ACLU of North Carolina, expressed apprehension regarding First Amendment and due process implications, stating, “We have some First Amendment and due process concerns about allowing someone to be deemed a criminal gang member … based on merely two criteria.”

The ACLU also voiced opposition to the proposed sentencing enhancements, contending that extended prison terms are not an effective crime deterrent. “H1173 furthers the trend of overcriminalization by adding new offenses and increasing penalties for things that are already crimes, putting more people behind bars with longer sentences,” Collins added. “Instead of investing in our communities, lawmakers are reinforcing the systems that push more people into the criminal legal system.”

Representative Bell refuted these criticisms, stating, “I would 100% disagree with that.” The bill is slated for a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, where its advancement is anticipated. Jaleeyah’s family holds onto the hope that ‘Jaleeyah’s Law’ will spare other families the agony they have endured. Michael Johnson, Jaleeyah’s father, remarked, “These past couple months have been real tough. Our sacrifice won’t be for nothing.”