An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s criminal code to clarify and strengthen penalties related to arson and property destruction. Specifically, it expands the definition of arson to include endangering firefighters and police officers actively involved in extinguishing fires, and introduces a new offense of aggravated arson that carries increased penalties when a person is injured during the act. It also clarifies the potential for multiple charges in cases involving repeated arson offenses.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of arson to include endangering firefighters and police officers.
- Creates a new offense of aggravated arson that includes causing bodily injury.
- Increases penalties for arson endangering persons, including potential charges of murder in cases of death.
- Clarifies the potential for multiple charges in cases of repeated arson offenses.
- Defines aggravated arson as a felony of the first degree.
- Addresses the potential for prosecution for multiple violations occurring from the same criminal episode.
Who is affected
- Individuals accused of arson and property destruction
- Firefighters and police officers
- Property owners
- The general public
- The legal system
Notable changes
- Increases the severity of penalties for arson offenses, particularly those involving endangering emergency personnel.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Document of record
- Version
- Pn 1853 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
This version is published only as a document. Open the viewer to read it here, or download the file.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
8 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours