House Bill 315 Summary

• Increases punishment for arson in the second degree from Class G to Class E felony when dwelling is unoccupied at time of burning.

• Creates new crimes: burning of jails or prisons (Class D felony), burning of occupied commercial structures (Class D felony), and burning of unoccupied commercial structures (Class E felony).

• Establishes Class E felony for arson or unlawful burning resulting in serious bodily injury to firefighter, law enforcement officer, fire investigator, or emergency medical technician; establishes Class F felony for arson resulting in serious injury to these same personnel.

• Requires fire departments to conduct criminal history record checks of all paid and volunteer applicants and prohibits applicants convicted of arson or felonies involving burning from serving in fire departments.

• Effective December 1, 2022 for arson offense changes; criminal history check requirements effective upon enactment for applications submitted on or after that date.