Schiff, Bono Introduce Comprehensive Arson Legislation

Press Release

Schiff, Bono Introduce Comprehensive Arson Legislation

Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Mary Bono (R -CA) today announced they have introduced bipartisan legislation that establishes a comprehensive nation-wide network database that will track convicted arsonists. The Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act of 2007, H.R. 1759, will create a convicted arson registry whose guidelines and regulations will be issued by the United States Attorney General.

"Firefighters have a tough enough job managing natural forest fires given California's climate," Schiff said. "We need to do all we can to protect our wilderness areas, our homes and businesses, and the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to fight fires. As a former federal prosecutor who handled arson cases among others, I believe the MATCH Act will provide law enforcement another resource to monitor convicted arsonists and help prevent the devastation caused by arson."

"I applaud the courageous men and women of our nation's fire and sheriff departments whose lives are threatened while trying to contain fires ignited by arsonists," stated Bono. "Our public safety, protected wilderness areas, and our homes are constantly being jeopardized by the horrific and unpredictable acts of arsonists. This legislation will provide our local and national public safety officers a comprehensive tool to strengthen the broader effort to prevent acts of arson."

The MATCH Act mandates that the criminal arsonist register and maintain current information in each jurisdiction where he or she lives, works, and attends school. Convicted arsonists who fail to comply will incur a criminal penalty that includes a maximum term of imprisonment of more than one year.

The MATCH Act also establishes the Criminal Arsonist Management Assistance Program, which ensures that local law enforcement has the necessary means to manage and maintain their local registry. Under this provision, the US Attorney General can award a grant to offset the costs of establishing/complying with the arsonist registration and notification programs.

Rep. Schiff was recently appointed to serve on the House Appropriations Committee in the 110th Congress and is a member of its Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, the State Department and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, and the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel. He also serves on the House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. He represents California's 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.

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