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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2011
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Senate Committee Passes Rafferty Bill to Strengthen Arson
Laws
HARRISBURG -- The Senate Judiciary Committee this week approved legislation
sponsored by Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) that would significantly
strengthen Pennsylvania's arson laws.
Senate Bill 903 would create a new class of crime known as aggravated arson.
Under the bill, 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.
"People who deliberately light fires must face tougher penalties,
particularly when those fires result in loss of life and property. It is
unconscionable to set fire to a building knowing that someone is inside, or with
the intent to injure someone," Senator Rafferty said. "My legislation
recognizes the severity of the crime and ensures that those who put others in
harms way by committing arson receive the punishment they deserve."
This legislation includes a section on sentencing enhancements to increase
the maximum penalty up to 40 years imprisonment if the arson resulted in bodily
injury to a firefighter, police officer or any other person actively engaged in
fighting the fire. It also increases the sentencing parameters for up to 40
years imprisonment for anyone convicted of arson that results in the serious
bodily injury to any civilian. This legislation directs the Pennsylvania
Commission on Sentencing to provide for increased sentences for anyone convicted
of arson where more than three people were inside the property at the time of
the offense and in cases where the fire caused more than $1 million in property
damage.
Senator Rafferty, who worked closely with Chester County District Attorney
Joseph Carroll on the measure, said the legislation was spurred by a rash of
arsons that occurred in Coatesville, PA, between 2008 and 2009. More than 30
fires were set between midnight and 6 a.m., as people slept in their homes. 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.
"Arson results in $1.4 billion in property loss annually and causes more than
2,000 injuries and 475 deaths. But too often it is considered an insurance
concern, primarily a 'paper' crime of fraud most affecting insurance companies."
Senator Rafferty said. "The truth is that arson is a deadly crime that kills
civilians and firefighters. It devastates neighborhoods and communities,
destroying property and leaving victims fearful and helpless – and those who
commit this crime deserve strong punishment."
CONTACT:
John Gentzel
(717) 787-1398
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