NORTH COAST, Calif. — A bill state Sen. Mike McGuire introduced earlier this year to allow prosecutors the ability to pursue tougher sentences for cases of aggravated arson is waiting for the governor’s signature.

McGuire, who is now the Senate president designee, introduced Senate Bill 281 to institute greater consequences for aggravated arson cases.

McGuire’s office cited the fact that California is facing unprecedented, destructive wildfires, with 14 of the largest 20 wildfires in California history having occurred just in the last decade.

Some incredibly destructive wildfires have been set by arsonists including the 2016 Clayton fire in Lake County, which destroyed 188 homes, and the Esperanza fire, which claimed the lives of five firefighters in Southern California.

SB 281 will throw the book at individuals who are convicted of aggravated arson.

This is an issue that McGuire has championed for years.

The bill passed both the Senate and the Assembly and it’s now headed to the governor’s desk.

“An aggravated arson charge is reserved for the worst of the worst — the most heinous arsonists who exhibit specific intent to inflict damage and destruction in our communities or who are a continuing threat to society. We need to ensure this groundbreaking public safety measure is signed into law and we’ll be fighting alongside first responders and District Attorneys from across the Golden State to get this job done,” McGuire said.

Oct. 14 is the last day for Newsom to sign bills from this legislative session.