Senator Mike McGuire introduces aggravated arson bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Senator Mike McGuire has introduced a bill to help combat arson, one of the leading causes of fires in California.

The proposed SB 281 would potentially increase the severity of punishment for repeat arsonists.

McGuire said he is prioritizing the bill due to amount of destructive fires, both wildfires and commercial, that were caused by arson.

In a press, his office cited examples such as the Clayton Fire in Lake County, which destroyed tens of thousands of acres of land and 300 structures, including 189 homes, and a five-alarm fire in San Jose that destroyed a Home Depot with more than $17 million in damages.

"An aggravated arson charge is reserved for the worst of the worst— the most heinous arsonists who exhibit specific intent to inflict damage and destruction in our communities or who are a continuing threat to society," McGuire stated in a press release.

McGuire stated he would work alongside first responders and district attorneys statewide to help get the bill passed.

Currently, there are three ways to be convicted of aggravated arson: having prior convictions of arson within the last 10 years, causing damage or destruction of more than five structures, and exceeding damages of $8.3 million.