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.  The bill would also allow, with the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the attorney general to have concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute an offense under this section. 

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.