AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 12.1-21-01 and 12.1-21-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to arson and endangering by fire or explosion; and to provide a penalty.

HB 1528 amends North Dakota's arson and endangering by fire statutes to clarify definitions and strengthen penalties. It specifies that intentionally damaging one's own property to defraud insurers or deprive others of legal interests (like mortgage holders) now qualifies as arson, a class B felony. The bill also expands "endangering" offenses to explicitly include firefighters responding to emergencies and establishes that being intoxicated while starting a fire is considered proof of intent. Offenses are classified as class A, B, or C felonies based on severity, including death, extreme indifference to life, or property damage exceeding $2,000. The law directly affects individuals committing arson or reckless fire/explosion acts, insurers, property owners, and emergency responders.