The following changes on Missouri law became effective Jan. 1, 2017:
569.040
A person commits the offense of arson in the first degree if he or she:
- Knowingly damages a building or inhabitable structure, and when any person is then present or in near proximity thereto, by starting a fire or causing an explosion and thereby recklessly places such person in danger of death or serious physical injury; or
- By starting a fire or explosion, damages a building or inhabitable structure in an attempt to produce methamphetamine.
The offense of arson in the first degree is a class B felony unless a person has suffered serious physical injury or has died as a result of the fire or explosion set by the person or as a result of a fire or explosion started in an attempt by the person to produce methamphetamine, in which case arson in the first degree is a class A felony.