Bill > A00717

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to expand the definition of arson in both fourth and third degree classifications. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that a person can be found guilty of arson if they damage a building or motor vehicle by fire or explosion during the course of committing or attempting to commit a felony related to controlled substances (defined in Article 220 of the penal code). The changes modify existing language to remove gender-specific pronouns and add this new circumstance for arson charges. For fourth-degree arson, the new provision makes it a class E felony, while third-degree arson remains a class C felony. The bill retains existing affirmative defenses, such as when the defendant is the only person with a possessory or proprietary interest in the damaged property. The legislation aims to create a clearer legal framework for prosecuting arson offenses that occur in conjunction with other felonious activities, particularly those related to controlled substances.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A717