The bill amends Section 13A-7-41 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to redefine the crime of arson in the first degree by establishing additional criteria under which the crime may occur. The new language specifies that a person commits arson in the first degree if they intentionally damage a building by starting or maintaining a fire or causing an explosion while another person is present in the building. The bill introduces two alternative conditions: the actor must know that another person is present, or the fire or explosion must be initiated in conjunction with a theft that results in damages of $25,000 or more.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that arson in the first degree is classified as a Class A felony, with a minimum imprisonment term of 20 years, which must run consecutively with any other sentences arising from the same circumstances. The previous language that required the presence of another person at the time of the act has been modified to include the new criteria, and the bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-7-41, 13A-7-41
Engrossed: 13A-7-41, 13A-7-41
Enrolled: 13A-7-41, 13A-7-41