SACRAMENTO – As communities around the state suffer from the devastating impacts of wildfires, Assembly Democrats on the Public Safety Committee killed two common-sense bills that would have increased penalties for those who start many of these fires.
The first bill would have added sentence enhancements for arsonists who cause fires that burn 500+ acres of land. The second bill would haveincreased the punishment for recklessly starting a fire that seriously injures someone or destroys large amounts of property.
“From cutting our fire prevention budget to going soft on arsonists, Democrats have shown time and again that stopping deadly fires isn’t a priority,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (East Nicolaus). “Arsonists should face serious consequences, not get let off with a slap on the wrist.”
In last year’s budget, Gov. Newsom and legislative Democrats cut fire prevention funding by $143.9 million. Last month, Democrat lawmakers voted against an additional $1 billion for wildfire prevention.
Assembly Republicans remain committed to holding arsonists accountable and keeping California communities safe from wildfires.
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