Relates to authorizing bail and pre-trial detention for arson felonies

This bill (S 9229, "Billy's law") adds arson in the fourth degree (Penal Law § 150.05) and arson in the third degree (Penal Law § 150.10) to the list of offenses where judges may deny bail or order pre-trial detention. It directly affects defendants charged with these specific arson felonies who are already out on bail, released under conditions, or awaiting arraignment for other crimes involving harm to people or property. The law amends New York’s criminal procedure law to include these arson charges under the same bail denial criteria applied to other serious offenses like firearm possession or crimes causing identifiable harm. This change requires judges to consider the nature of the arson charge when determining pre-trial release, without altering the existing "reasonable cause" standard prosecutors must meet.