The bill would amend the Penal Code to make intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion punishable as a state jail felony if a building belonging to another person is recklessly damaged or destroyed or recklessly causes another person to suffer bodily injury or death. The bill would increase the punishment of recklessly damaging a building, habitation, or vehicle if the person intentionally started a fire in or on a building, habitation, or vehicle with the intent to damage or destroy property of another or injure another from a felony of the third degree to a felony of the first degree or felony of the second degree depending on the circumstances. 

A state jail felony is punishable by confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days, or, in addition to confinement, a fine not to exceed $10,000.
 
It is assumed many persons convicted under this statute are currently being charged with other offenses and the bill would not result in a significant impact on programs and workload of state corrections agencies or on the demand for resources and services of those agencies.