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AB-297 • 2026

Arson: penalties.

Arson: penalties.

Crime Education
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Hadwick (A) , Sanchez
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary text does not provide specific details on when the new rules will start, leaving that as an unknown.

Arson Penalties

The bill adds an enhancement of 3 to 5 years in addition to the main sentence for felony arson if someone causes more than 500 acres of forest land to burn.

What This Bill Does

  • Adds a punishment of 3, 4, or 5 extra years to the prison time for people convicted of felony arson if they cause over 500 acres of forest land to burn.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who commit felony arson

Terms To Know

Felony Arson
A serious crime where someone sets fire to property on purpose.
Enhancement
Extra time added to a prison sentence for certain reasons.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not explain what happens if someone burns less than 500 acres but still causes damage.
  • It is unclear when the new rules will start.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2026-01-31 California Legislative Information

    Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. 2025-03-04 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage. Reconsideration granted.

  4. 2025-02-10 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  5. 2025-01-24 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee February 23.

  6. 2025-01-23 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 297, as introduced, Hadwick.
Arson: penalties.
Existing law requires that a person who is convicted of felony arson, in addition to the term of imprisonment for the felony, be punished by a 3-, 4-, or 5-year enhancement if one or more of any specified circumstances is found to be true, including that the defendant caused multiple structures to burn in a single violation.
This bill would additionally authorize the 3-, 4-, or 5-year enhancement for a person who proximately causes 500 or more acres of forest land to burn. By expanding the scope of the enhancement, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF