For Immediate Release
10/1/12

Senate Approves Rafferty-Pileggi Legislation to Toughen Arson Penalties

Legislation sponsored by Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) to significantly strengthen Pennsylvania's arson laws and create the new crime of "aggravated arson" was approved today by the state Senate. 

Rafferty and Pileggi worked with Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan and other local leaders to draft the legislation after serial arsonists set more than 30 fires in Coatesville several years ago. The fires caused more than $3 million in damage, left scores of people homeless and resulted in the death of an 83-year-old woman. 

"Each year, more than 267,000 fires are attributed to arson. Arson results in $1.4 billion in property loss annually and causes more than 2,000 injuries and 475 deaths," said Rafferty. "But too often it is considered an insurance concern, primarily a ‘paper' crime of fraud most affecting insurance companies."

Pileggi added that the bill recognizes that arson is not just a crime against property but one against people, particularly firefighters and emergency responders who can be injured or lose their lives battling blazes.

"Arson is a deadly crime that kills civilians and firefighters. It devastates neighborhoods and communities, destroying property and leaving victims fearful and helpless," said Pileggi. "We need to strengthen our laws to reflect the seriousness of the offense."

Senate Bill 903, approved 47 to 2, would create a new class of crime known as aggravated arson and set tougher sentencing guidelines. A person can be convicted of aggravated arson if he intentionally starts a fire – or if he aids or pays someone else to start a fire – with the intent to cause bodily injury or knowing that someone was inside the property at the time.

The bill also increases penalties if a firefighter, police officer, emergency responder or civilian sustained injuries as a result of the crime. In addition, stronger sentences could also be imposed if more than three people were inside the property at the time of the crime or the arson resulted in more than $1 million in property damage.

The legislation also clarifies that a convicted arsonist could be charged with second degree murder if the fire or explosion unintentionally caused a person's death and first degree murder if the cause was intentional.

"People who deliberately set fires must face tougher penalties, particularly when those fires result in loss of life and property," said Rafferty. "This legislation recognizes the severity of the crime and ensures that those who put others in harm's way by committing arson receive the punishment they deserve."

CONTACTS:

Ryan Boop, (Senator Rafferty)
(717) 787-1398

Erik Arneson, (Senator Pileggi)
(717) 787-4712