Crime, gangs, and public safety
The 2026 legislative session emphasized public safety, including Jaleeyah’s Law to toughen penalties and enforcement against criminal gang activity, plus measures on involuntary commitment processes and human trafficking. Lawmakers framed these as responses to crime and enforcement gaps.
How should North Carolina handle criminal gang activity and related public safety policy?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Carolina Public Press — https://carolinapublicpress.org/80250/five-takeaways-from-the-2026-legislative-session
Lawmakers honed in on public safety and crime issues this session, too. Jaleeyah’s Law would enact a series of policies to increase criminal penalties for and enhance enforcement of criminal gang activity.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Emphasize prevention, diversion, and community programs over tougher gang penalties
- Combine targeted enforcement with investments in youth services and reentry
- Support balanced penalty increases and process reforms where evidence shows need
- Strengthen penalties and enforcement tools against gangs as a top priority
- Impose maximum sentences and expanded police powers to deter gang crime