What's happening
This bill expands first degree arson to include fires caused during the illegal manufacture of controlled substances.
Why it matters
Targets meth labs and similar operations. By making fires caused during illegal drug manufacturing a form of first-degree arson, the bill specifically addresses the dangers posed by clandestine drug labs, which are prone to explosions and fires that can harm people and property.
Increases penalties for drug-related fires. Individuals involved in illegal drug production who cause fires—even accidentally—could face much harsher criminal charges and sentences under first-degree arson, reflecting the significant risks these activities pose to communities.
Broadens legal liability. The bill covers not only those directly manufacturing drugs, but also anyone aiding, counseling, or procuring the burning or destruction of buildings or persons during such activities, potentially increasing the number of people who could be prosecuted under first-degree arson.
May deter hazardous behavior. By raising the legal stakes for causing fires during illegal drug manufacturing, the law aims to discourage this particularly dangerous aspect of the illicit drug trade, enhancing public safety in residential and commercial areas.
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Drug Lab Fires Count as Arson
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
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History
- Held for consideration in codes
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Count Drug Lab Fires as Arson
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor Thomas F. O'Mara
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6305
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 5, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. PALMESANO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to including fires caused by the manufacture of a controlled substance within the crime of arson in the first degree
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 150.20 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 950 of the laws of 1984, is amended to read as follows:
2. A person is guilty of arson in the first degree when, while manufacturing, attempting to manufacture or endeavoring to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of article two hundred twenty of this chapter, destroys in whole or in part, or causes to be burned or destroyed, or aids, counsels or procures the burning or destruction of any building or contents thereof, inhabited or occupied by one or more persons, whether such building or contents is the property of such person or another, or when, while manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of article two hundred twenty of this chapter, causes a person to be burned, or aids, counsels or procures the burning of a person.
3. As used in this section, "incendiary device" means a breakable container designed to explode or produce uncontained combustion upon impact, containing flammable liquid and having a wick or a similar device capable of being ignited; and "controlled substance" shall have the same meaning as set forth in subdivision five of section 220.00 of this chapter.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05820-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.