AR HB1514

Adds new Section 5-38-312 to Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 38, Subchapter 3 to eliminate common law presumptions about fire causation in criminal prosecutions.

Abolishes prior case law precedents including Johnson v. State (198 Ark. 871, 1939) and Thomas v. State (295 Ark. 29, 1988) that presumed fires were caused by accident or natural causes.

Eliminates any presumption in fire-related prosecutions that a fire was caused by accident, natural causes, or incendiary origin; prosecutors must prove the cause of fire beyond a reasonable doubt.

Preserves existing public policy and burden of proof standards for civil actions involving fire causation, which remain unaffected by this statute.