Bill > S06565

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to modify the definition of arson in the first degree, expanding the circumstances under which someone can be charged with this serious crime. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition to explicitly include situations where a fire or explosion is accelerated by the use of ignitable liquid or flammable gas, in addition to existing provisions about incendiary devices and explosives. The bill updates language to be gender-neutral by replacing "he" with "such person" and refines the definition of an "incendiary device" to focus more broadly on devices designed to produce uncontained combustion or serve as an ignition source. The crime of first-degree arson remains classified as a class A-I felony and continues to require specific conditions, such as the presence of another non-participating person in the building or vehicle and the defendant's knowledge or reasonable expectation of such presence. The bill will take effect thirty days after becoming law, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these changes to the penal code.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6565