Crimes: causing an explosion.

Existing law proscribes the crime of arson and provides that a person is guilty of arson when he or she willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned, or aids, counsels, or procures the burning of, a structure, forest land, or property. The crime of arson is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison, as specified. This bill would provide that a person who recklessly causes an explosion is guilty of a public offense. The bill would provide that if the explosion causes great bodily injury, the offense is a felony punishable by incarceration for 2, 4, or 6 years, as specified, or a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year. The bill would provide that if the explosion causes damages in the amount of $20,000 or more to any structure in which a person was present at the time of the offense or to an inhabited dwelling, the offense is a felony punishable, as specified, or a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year. The bill would also provide that if the explosion causes damages in the amount of $2,000 or more, but less than $20,000, to any structure in which a person was present at the time of the offense or to an inhabited dwelling, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year. By creating new crimes, the 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.