Bill would allow state to prosecute those who plan fires, not just those who set them

JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed bi-partisan legislation to protect Alaskans from arsonists and those who support them. The legislation (HB 56) by Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer), Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage) and Representative Bob Lynn (R-Anchorage) adds arson to the list of serious crimes under Alaska’s conspiracy laws. This will allow the state to prosecute people who plan arson in addition to those who actually set the fires.