Bill > H1854

This bill proposes several amendments to Chapter 266 of Massachusetts General Laws related to penalties for fires and explosions, introducing new criminal penalties for specific fire-related offenses. First, the bill creates a new section making it a criminal offense to cause a fire or explosion while unlawfully manufacturing controlled substances, with potential imprisonment of up to 10 years in state prison or 2.5 years in jail if the fire causes personal injury or property damage. Second, it adds a provision that makes intentionally setting fire to school property without administrative authorization punishable by up to 2.5 years in jail. Third, the bill establishes a penalty for wantonly or recklessly using fire or explosive devices that endanger property or safety, with potential fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to two years. Finally, the bill revises an existing section about setting fires on another's property, establishing graduated penalties based on the cost of property damage: for damages under $5,000, potential fines up to $1,000 or two years imprisonment, and for damages of $5,000 or more, potential imprisonment in state prison for up to five years or in jail for up to 2.5 years. Additionally, the bill allows the town where a fire occurs to recover firefighting expenses through a tort action within two years of the incident.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1854