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 if it 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 the attorney general to have concurrent jurisdiction, with the consent of the appropriate local prosecutor or district attorney, to prosecute arson.

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.