State House passes anti-gang crime bill named after Goldsboro teen fatally shot before Christmas

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - A bill that would add more prosecutors and increase penalties for gang-related crimes in the state is one step closer to becoming law.

The State House approved Jaleeyah’s Law today by a landslide vote of 111 to 2.

The bill is named after 13-year-old Jaleeyah Tune, who was tragically shot and killed just three days before Christmas last year.

Officials say three teenage boys, whom Tune and her sister did not know, jumped out from behind bushes and opened fire on them. The trio was arrested later that month.

Lawmakers say the bill would create tougher penalties for gang-related crimes, increase punishment for those who recruit minors into gangs, strengthen gun possession laws, and give prosecutors and investigators more tools to target gang activity.

The bill will now head to the State Senate. If passed, it will then head to Governor Josh Stein’s desk for his signature before becoming law.

If signed into law, most of the criminal penalties included in the bill would take effect on December 1, 2027.