New California Bill Enacts Tougher Criminal Penalties for Organized Metal Theft

Copper  |  2026-10-01 05:27:36   |   By

The League of California Cities welcomed the legislation, saying that repeated infrastructure thefts often place a huge financial burden on municipalities.

Summary
  • California Tightens Penalties for Metal Theft
    Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1941, introducing misdemeanor and felony penalties for repeat offenders and organized groups involved in stealing and trafficking copper and other metals from public infrastructure.
  • Copper Theft Causes Major Infrastructure Costs
    The legislation targets theft from streetlights, telecommunications networks and other essential public assets. The theft of more than 38,000 feet of copper wiring from Los Angeles' Sixth Street Bridge caused damage and restoration costs projected to exceed $2.5 million, despite the stolen copper being worth about $11,000.
  • Cities Gain Additional Enforcement Tools
    The League of California Cities welcomed AB 1941, noting that repeated infrastructure theft can impose substantial financial burdens on municipalities. Supporters say the law will give local governments and law enforcement additional tools to address organized metal theft and protect public services.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that introduces tougher criminal penalties for repeat offenders and organized groups involved in theft and trafficking of copper and other metals from public infrastructure.

Assembly Bill 1941, authored by Assemblyman Mark González (D-Los Angeles), establishes misdemeanor and felony penalties depending on the nature and circumstances of the offenses. The legislation is designed to strengthen law enforcement's ability to prosecute organized metal theft operations targeting streetlights, telecommunications systems, and other essential public assets.

González highlighted that copper wire theft leads to financial consequences and serious threats to public safety. Such acts by criminals have resulted in widespread infrastructure disruptions and substantial repair expenses for local communities.

He cited the theft of more than 38,000 feet of copper wiring from Los Angeles' Sixth Street Bridge. Although the stolen material was valued at approximately $11,000, the resulting damage and restoration costs are projected to exceed $2.5 million.

The League of California Cities welcomed the legislation, saying that repeated infrastructure thefts often place a huge financial burden on municipalities. According to its CEO, Carolyn Coleman, the new law is expected to provide cities with additional tools to protect essential public services and infrastructure.

AB 1941 builds on an earlier measure introduced by González.