§ 39-14-301 — Arson

(a) A person commits an offense who knowingly damages any structure or farm equipment by means of a fire or explosion: (1) Without the consent of all persons who have a possessory, proprietary or security interest therein; or (2) With intent to destroy or damage any structure to collect insurance for the damage or destruction or for any unlawful purpose. (b) (1) Arson is a Class C felony. (2) Arson of a place of worship is a Class B felony. (c) As used in this section: (1) "Farm equipment" means any farm tractor as defined in § 55-1-104(a) , farm implement designed to be operated with a farm tractor, and motorized farm machinery used in the commercial production of farm products or nursery stock; and (2) "Place of worship" means any structure that is: (A) Approved, or qualified to be approved, by the state board of equalization for property tax exemption pursuant to § 67-5-212 , based on ownership and use of the structure by a religious institution; and (B) Utilized on a regular basis by such religious institution as the site of congregational services, rites, or activities communally undertaken for the purpose of worship.

Legislative History

Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 2, eff. 10/1/2020. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 1, eff. 10/1/2020. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1991, ch. 19, § 1; 1997 , ch. 284, § 1.