AlabamaTheft-related fires can qualify as first-degree arson in Alabama
Alabama law describes theft-related building fires or explosions causing at least $25,000 in damage as first-degree arson under a stated route, with a 20-year minimum prison term.
What it does
Alabama law describes first-degree arson to include intentional building damage by fire or explosion under stated presence-based or theft-related conditions; the theft route requires at least $25,000 in damage.
A first-degree arson conviction carries at least 20 years in prison, served after any prison term for another offense arising from the same events.
Argument forThe theft-related rule could treat serious fires or explosions causing at least $25,000 in damage as first-degree arson, even without the stated presence conditions.
Argument againstA person convicted of first-degree arson could face at least 20 years in prison, followed by time for another offense arising from the same events.
More detail
The law describes first-degree arson as intentionally damaging a building by fire or explosion under the conditions stated here. The provisions concern intentional damage to a building by starting or maintaining a fire or causing an explosion. One stated route requires another person to be in the building and the actor to know that or have reason to think someone may be there. Another printed route ties the fire or explosion to a theft and requires at least $25,000 in damage from the fire, explosion, or theft. The act took effect on October 1, 2026.
A first-degree arson conviction carries a prison term of at least 20 years. This penalty applies to a first-degree arson conviction. The prison term must run one after another with any term for another offense arising from the same facts and circumstances. The act took effect on October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 16EnactedBecame Law
- Apr 9Ready to Enroll
- Apr 9EnrolledTo Governor
- Apr 9Signature Requested
- Apr 9Delivered to GovernorMinor
- Apr 8Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1279Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1279. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 3Reported Out of Committee Second House
- Mar 3Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Judiciary)Minor
- Feb 25Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 25Pending Committee Action in Second House (Judiciary)
- Feb 24Third Reading in House of Origin
- Vote recorded Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 570. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Third Reading in House of Origin. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 571. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 24Judiciary Engrossed Substitute Offered (Judiciary)Minor
- Feb 24Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 570Major
- Feb 24Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 571Passed House
- Feb 24Engrossed
- Feb 12Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Judiciary)Minor
- Feb 11Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Judiciary)
- Jan 22Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on JudiciaryMinor
- Jan 22Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Judiciary)Introduced
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