Arsonist registry bill passes House

A House bill sponsored by two California representatives that would set up a national registry of convicted arsonists passed on a voice vote.

The bill requires convicted arsonists to report to authorities on where they live or attend school, and sets up a national database developed by the attorney general to track them. The bill now goes to the Senate.

It “lets the convicted arsonists know they can’t hide from law enforcement for the purpose of committing another act of arson,” said California Democrat Adam Schiff of Burbank, who sponsored the bill with Republican Mary Bono of Palm Springs.