LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles) stood with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, local law enforcement officials, business leaders, and residents to call on Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB 476 – bipartisan legislation to crack down on copper theft, strengthen enforcement tools, and protect California's critical infrastructure.
"Copper theft is not a victimless crime. It's costing cities millions, endangering residents, and overwhelming local resources," said Assemblymember González. "AB 476 gives law enforcement and cities additional tools to track illegal transactions, stop thieves, and hold bad actors accountable."
Copper wire theft has reached crisis levels across California. In Los Angeles alone, more than 38,000 feet—seven miles—of copper wire were stripped from the iconic Sixth Street Bridge, causing $2.5 million in taxpayer-funded repairs. Citywide, the Bureau of Street Lighting reported nearly 46,000 service requests for outages in 2024, with nearly 40% tied to wire theft. Some neighborhoods have waited months for lights and services to be restored.
"Beyond infrastructure damage and loss, copper wire thefts disrupt our transit systems and traffic signals, impact public safety, and leave our streets without lighting – in 2024 alone, more than a third of all service requests to the City's Bureau of Street Lighting were related to outages caused by copper wire theft," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "AB 476 will help law enforcement hold these criminals accountable while improving quality of life for Angelenos. I thank Assemblymember González for his work to move this bill forward and urge Governor Newsom to sign it."
"The passage of AB 476 is a game changer for public safety," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. "This bill will finally give law enforcement the tools to shut down illegal scrap metal operations that fuel this kind of crime. Legitimate junk and recycling centers stand behind AB 476 because they're tired of being undercut by rogue operators who buy stolen metal with no questions asked. The only people who oppose this bill are the criminals — and that tells you everything. I'm confident that when Governor Newsom hears the message from this news conference, he'll grab his pen and sign AB 476 into law."
"Those who steal metal for profit endanger public safety, damage critical infrastructure, and drive up costs for everyone," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. "Assembly Bill 476 will be an important tool to help law enforcement increase accountability and protect our communities. We're asking residents to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and stand with law enforcement in putting a stop to these thefts. Together, we can safeguard the safety, reliability, and essential services our residents rely on every day."
"I am proud to join my colleagues in urging Governor Newsom to sign AB 476, as ensuring public safety has been a top priority of my Administration," said Hydee Feldstein Soto, Los Angeles City Attorney. "When copper wire is ripped out of streetlights, it makes our City dark and less safe. AB 476 will help law enforcement and prosecutors fight this crime, while improving the safety and quality of life for Angelenos. I applaud Assemblymember González for leading on this critical issue."
"Public safety begins with the equitable delivery of city services, like working streetlights, functioning traffic signals, and reliable utilities that keep neighborhoods like Boyle Heights strong, connected, and empowered," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. "AB 476 focuses on preventing disruptions to these essential services, promotes transparency, and makes sure public resources serve residents equitably and effectively. I urge Governor Newsom to sign this legislation and build equity into every neighborhood across Los Angeles."
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.
"LACI was proud to sponsor Assemblymember's critical legislation to reduce the theft and loss of critical infrastructure for our communities," said Matt Petersen, President & CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator. "Having seen dozens of EV chargers whose cords were cut to sell at scrap yards, we urge the Governor to sign this bill--protecting chargers, street lights and other public assets are key to reducing emissions and safety."
"Every darkened street and unlit corner hurts walkability, foot traffic, and the businesses that keep Los Angeles thriving," said Nella McOsker, President & CEO of the Central City Association. "AB 476 will safeguard infrastructure, support commerce, and show that Downtown is a safe, reliable place to invest — exactly the kind of solutions we're advancing through our Revive DTLA recovery plan."
"Year after year, Downtown LA has been hit hardest by copper wire theft, leaving blocks in darkness and making everyday trips difficult—and at times, frightening. No one should be afraid to walk down their own street. Well-lit neighborhoods deter crime, support local business, and make our communities safer," said Leslie Ridings, Co-Founder of DTLA Residents Association. "AB 476 is a practical, common-sense step toward a brighter future—strengthening enforcement, targeting bad actors, and preserving legitimate recycling. With focused tools like this bill and sustained investment, we can make Downtown LA and neighborhoods across California safer, brighter, and more welcoming for everyone."
AB 476 passed the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support and has the backing of cities, law enforcement agencies, utilities, businesses, and community organizations statewide. Governor Newsom has until October 12th to sign or veto the bill.
A recording of the press conference is available here.
Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He represents the 54th Assembly District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.
CONTACT: Jaspreet Johl; Jaspreet.Johl@asm.ca.gov; (916) 335-8871
Kyle Johnson; Kyle.Johnson@asm.ca.gov; (925) 549-2030
