Assemblymember Gonzales presents AB 476 to combat copper wire theft in California

The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at combating copper wire theft in California. Assemblymember Gonzales presented Assembly Bill 476, which seeks to enhance enforcement against this growing issue that threatens public infrastructure and safety.

AB 476 proposes four main measures: expanding the information junk dealers and recyclers must collect before purchasing non-ferrous metals, prohibiting possession of certain scrap metals without documentation, increasing penalties for theft to reflect the true costs incurred by communities, and improving enforcement against repeat offenders through new legal tools. The bill aims to deter copper theft, which has surged due to rising copper prices, and to protect essential community assets such as streetlights and traffic signals.

Gonzales highlighted the severe financial impact of copper theft on cities, citing the example of the Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles, where thieves stole significant amounts of copper wiring, leading to repair costs far exceeding the value of the stolen materials. The bill is seen as a necessary response to the increasing number of thefts, which have resulted in a doubling of streetlight outage service requests in Los Angeles since 2021.

Support for AB 476 came from various stakeholders, including representatives from the League of California Cities and the City of Sacramento, who emphasized the bill's potential to reduce the financial burden on municipalities and improve public safety. The committee heard testimonies from multiple cities and organizations backing the legislation, indicating broad support across the state.

No opposition to the bill was noted during the meeting, suggesting a consensus on the need for stronger measures to address the ongoing crisis of metal theft. The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of the issue and the importance of legislative action to safeguard California's public infrastructure.