An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 7 co-sponsors

The bill tightens arson-related offenses and strengthens penalties to better protect first responders at arson scenes.

Referred to Judiciary

Summary of SB 1405 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

SB 1405 seeks to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically the chapter on arson, criminal mischief, and other property destruction.

The bill is framed to enhance protections for first responders and clarify or expand offenses related to arson and related property crimes.

The sponsor memo highlights a focus on “Protecting Our First Responders Responding to Arson.”

Key provisions and changes (as described in bill materials)

The bill amends the existing statutes governing arson and related offenses within Title 18. While the precise statutory text is not provided in the summary materials, the identified focus areas include:

Revisions to the offense of arson and related offenses, potentially tightening elements, penalties, or procedural aspects.
Provisions that address criminal mischief and other property destruction in the context of arson cases, possibly clarifying liability or enhancing penalties for offenses that endanger property or individuals.

The legislation is positioned as a targeted update to strengthen accountability in arson cases and to bolster protections for first responders who respond to arson incidents.

Who/what would be affected

Individuals charged with arson and related offenses in Pennsylvania.

Individuals charged with criminal mischief and other property destruction when those acts relate to arson incidents.

First responders and related public safety personnel who respond to arson scenes, as the bill’s messaging emphasizes their protection.

Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who handle arson cases, given changes to charging standards or penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Primary sponsor: Senator Frank Farry (and several co-sponsors from both chambers’ Republicans).

Status: Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 26, 2026.

The bill has not advanced to further readings or votes in the provided materials; no committee hearing dates or votes are listed.

As a bill referred to Judiciary, it will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and then forward to the full Senate for consideration if approved by the committee.

Additional notes

The bill’s short title emphasizes amendments to arson and related offenses and to better protect first responders.

Exact text, definitions, penalties, and procedural changes are not included in the provided materials; the summary focuses on stated intent and the areas targeted for reform.

If you’d like, I can pull and summarize the specific statutory changes once the full bill text or fiscal/section-by-section analysis is available.