WASHINGTON, D.C. – Coming on the heels of some of the most destructive wildfires in California’s history, the House Judiciary Committee today passed the Managing Arson Through Criminal History Act (MATCH, H.R. 1759). The MATCH Act, introduced by Reps. Mary Bono (R-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in March, would establish a comprehensive nation-wide database to track convicted arsonists. Yesterday, Reps. Schiff and Bono and Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini testified at a Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee on behalf of the bill.
“This critically important legislation has the potential to prevent future fire tragedies from striking again,” said Schiff. “I am pleased with the overwhelming bipartisan support for this measure, and I look forward to it being brought expeditiously to the floor for a full House vote.”
“Currently, we don’t have any vehicle to track arsonists on the national level or state level even though it is known that an individual that committed an act of arson is more likely to commit a future act,” said Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini. “Generally, when it gets too hot for arsonists they move to other areas, but with a MATCH Act registry in place we would be better equipped to find a prolific arsonist. Congress needs to pass this important legislation now.”
The MATCH Act, strongly supported by local law enforcement and fire authorities, would consolidate federal, state and local resources in combating arson. The legislation, mirrored after existing national criminal databases, would combat the unfortunate fact that approximately less than 20% of arson offenses result in an arrest and conviction, despite the fact that the majority of fires in the U.S. are the result of arson.
The MATCH Act also establishes the Criminal Arsonist Management Assistance Program, which ensures that jurisdictions have the necessary means to manage and maintain their local registry.
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