California · 2025–26 Regular Session · Assembly Bill
AB 297: Arson: penalties.
Did not advance Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
- Did not advance
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
AB 297 is a assembly bill introduced in the California Assembly on January 23, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Arson: penalties. Primary sponsor: Heather Hadwick (R), Kate Sanchez (R). Most recent recorded action (February 2, 2026): From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.
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.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Hadwick | Primary sponsor | Republican | Assembly | 1 |
| Kate Sanchez | Primary sponsor | Republican | Assembly | 71 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
- Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
- In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage. Reconsideration granted.
- Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
- From printer. May be heard in committee February 23.
- Read first time. To print.