Enacts new GS 14­67.2, creating a new Class D felony. New felony applies to persons who, during the commission of a felony, by means of fire or explosive, knowingly damage or knowingly cause, aid, abet, advise, encourage, hire, counsel, or procure another to damage any dwelling, structure, building, or conveyance referenced in GS Chapter 14, Article 15 (Arson and Other Burnings). Effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Amends GS 14­69.3 to expand the scope of that Class E felony. Currently, the felony applies to persons who commit a felony under GS Chapter 14, Article 15 (Arson and Other Burnings), and a firefighter or emergency medical technician suffers serious bodily injury while discharging their duties on the property, or proximate to the property, that is the subject of their duties. Expands the class of people whose injury results in the Class E felony to also include law enforcement officers and fire investigators. Defines fire investigator (persons with the responsibility and authority to determine the origin, cause, or development of a fire or explosion). Makes a technical change. Effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Appropriates $115,603 in recurring funds and $3,865 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund for 2017­18 to the Conference of District Attorneys to establish and support a position for a resource prosecutor on arson and homicide cases for allied professionals in the state. Effective July 1, 2017.