SACRAMENTO – As communities around the state suffer from the devastating impacts of wildfires, Assembly Democrats on the Public Safety Committee killed two common-sense bills that would have increased penalties for those who start many of these fires.
The first bill would have added sentence enhancements for arsonists who cause fires that burn 500+ acres of land. The second bill would have increased the punishment for recklessly starting a fire that seriously injures someone or destroys large amounts of property.
“From cutting our fire prevention budget to going soft on arsonists, Democrats have shown time and again that stopping deadly fires isn’t a priority,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (East Nicolaus). “Arsonists should face serious consequences, not get let off with a slap on the wrist.”
In last year’s budget, Gov. Newsom and legislative Democrats cut fire prevention funding by $143.9 million. Last month, Democrat lawmakers voted against an additional $1 billion for wildfire prevention.
Assembly Republicans remain committed to holding arsonists accountable and keeping California communities safe from wildfires.
Background
- AB 297- This bill would additionally authorize the 3-, 4-, or 5-year enhancement for a person who proximately causes 500 or more acres of forest land to burn. By expanding the scope of the enhancement, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
- AB 336 – Existing law prohibits unlawfully causing a fire by recklessly setting fire to, burning, or causing to be burned, any structure, forest land, or property. A violation of this prohibition that causes great bodily injury, that causes an inhabited structure or property to burn, or that causes a fire of a structure or forest land is punishable either as a felony or a misdemeanor.
This bill would make the above-described violations punishable only as a felony including a fine not to exceed $10,000. By increasing the punishment of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Image provided by CALFIRE
Bill Takes Aim at Arsonists with Tougher Penalties
Assemblywomen Heather Hadwick (R-Modoc) and Kate Sanchez (R-Temecula) have introduced bold legislation to crack down on arsonists with tougher penalties for those who ignite catastrophic fires.
Seven of the ten largest fires in California history have occurred within the last five years, burning a staggering 3.8 million acres. Alarmingly, an estimated 20 percent of wildfires are the result of arson, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres across the state. The 2024 Park Fire, which burned over 400,000 acres and destroyed 709 homes in Butte and Tehama counties, was ignited by an arsonist with an extensive criminal record. Moreover, arson arrests have significantly increased over the past decade, according to CalFire.
AB 297 would add a sentencing enhancement of three to five years for arsonists whose actions result in the burning of 500 or more acres of forestland.
