Bill > HB912

This bill revises Mississippi's arson statutes to clarify and modify the legal definitions and penalties for arson offenses. The bill specifically narrows the definition of first and second-degree arson to only include burning the property of another person, effectively removing the ability to charge arson when someone burns their own property. To address this, the bill introduces a new provision in third-degree arson that allows prosecution when a property owner or their agent deliberately burns their own dwelling, building, or structure. The bill maintains existing penalty structures, with first-degree arson carrying a prison sentence of 5-20 years and potential treble damages, second-degree arson resulting in 1-10 years of imprisonment, and third-degree arson punishable by 1-3 years in prison. Additionally, the bill preserves existing provisions related to arson of churches or religious buildings and maintains the legal framework for property forfeiture in arson cases. The changes aim to close potential legal loopholes and provide more precise language for prosecuting arson offenses, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0912.xml