Crimes: arson; definition of arson; modify. Amends secs. 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 & 78 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.72 et seq.).

HB 5159 amends Michigan's arson laws to clarify definitions and adjust penalties based on property value, occupancy, and prior offenses. It modifies classifications for first through sixth-degree arson, specifying that fires involving multiunit buildings, injuries, mines, or insured property face stricter penalties (up to life imprisonment), while lower-value property fires (under $1,000) with prior convictions become misdemeanors. Key changes include setting clear value thresholds ($1,000, $2,000, $20,000) for personal property, removing occupancy requirements for dwelling fires, and adding "recklessly" as a punishable mental state. This directly affects individuals who set fires to buildings, vehicles, or other property, with penalties varying by property value, prior convictions, and whether the fire caused injury. The bill does not change existing constitutional rights but refines how arson is legally categorized and punished.