Arson Prevention Act broadens federal prosecution authority
The Arson Prevention Act, recently signed into law, broadens federal authority to prosecute people who intentionally deface, damage, or destroy religious property; doubles the maximum prison sentence to 20 years; and authorizes up to $10 million in private loan guarantees to help rebuild churches.
Among the 200 people in attendance at the White House Rose Garden signing were representatives of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), FEMA Director James Lee Witt, and U.S. Fire Administrator Carrye Brown. The NVFC, which has supported the legislation, has been working with FEMA and other fire service and arson prevention organizations to develop prevention strategies.
Among the arson-prevention activities the NVFC has planned are the following: free arson prevention and investigation seminars presented by the International Association of Arson Investigators at each of the NVFC`s member-state firefighter conventions, a southeast regional seminar focusing on volunteer arson prevention initiatives, and posting information on the NVFC Homepage (http://www.nvfc.org). Additional information is available from Heather Schafer at 1-888-ASK-NVFC.
