California Gets Bipartisan on Copper Theft

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Amid a statewide surge in copper wire theft and vandalism targeting public infrastructure, California Governor Gavin Newsom last week signed AB 476 into law. The legislation, passed with unanimous bipartisan support, is designed to strengthen enforcement tools, protect California’s critical infrastructure, and hold scrap metal dealers accountable. Inside Towers recently reported on thieves breaking into a heavily fortified AT&T (NYSE: T) underground vault in Los Angeles, cutting 32 copper cables, disrupting phone, internet, and even 911 service for thousands of residents.

“Copper theft does not just cost money – it undermines neighborhood safety and public trust,” said Assemblymember González, who sponsored the bill. “This commonsense legislation gives law enforcement and cities additional tools to track illegal transactions, stop thieves, and hold bad actors accountable. In California, we are turning the lights back on.” 

AB 476 strengthens theft prevention and enforcement to help deter copper theft, protect vital infrastructure, and hold the scrap metal industry accountable with commonsense reforms, including:

-Enhanced Reporting Requirements – Junk dealers and recyclers must collect detailed records, including a signed statement verifying the seller’s identity and lawful ownership.

-Expanded Restrictions on Scrap Metal Possession – Certain scrap metal from essential infrastructure (e.g., streetlights, traffic signals, plaques) will be illegal to possess without proper documentation.

-Increased Penalties – Penalties would better reflect the high costs of damage and replacement borne by taxpayers, ratepayers, and communities.

 Courtesy: www.insidetowers.com