H307 eliminates cashless bail for criminal defendants charged with a "violent offense," and expedites the process for implementing the death penalty.
The House passed H307 on September 23, 2025, by a vote of 81 to 31. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because denying cashless bail to violent or repeat offenders reduces crime. Violent criminals must be kept off the streets, and most crimes are committed by those with a previous criminal record. No criminal should ever walk out of court as a free person when he should be placed under restraint or even executed. As justice is the overall purpose of government, the State of North Carolina has a duty to uphold the rights of victims and protect the public. Also, the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment addresses "capital" crimes. Criminal codes before and during the time of the American Founding, such as the 1641 Laws of New England, confirm that certain offenses demand the death penalty. The "due process" and "equal protection" requirements in the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment follow the Common Law retributive principle that "the punishment should fit the crime."
United States Constitution
Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
United States Constitution
14th Amendment Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
