LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assemblymember Mark González's (D-Los Angeles) AB 476 into law. Amid a statewide surge in copper wire theft and vandalism targeting public infrastructure, this bipartisan legislation strengthens enforcement tools, protects California's critical infrastructure, and holds scrap metal dealers accountable.
"Copper theft does not just cost money – it undermines neighborhood safety and public trust," said Assemblymember González. "I want to thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 476. This commonsense legislation that 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."
Copper wire theft has hit communities and critical infrastructure across the state:
- Sixth Street Bridge ("Ribbon of Light"), Los Angeles – In late 2023, thieves stole 38,000 feet (seven miles) of copper wire, valued at only $11,000, plunging the bridge into darkness. Repairs are projected at over $2.5 million and have yet to be completed.
- Pico-Union street lighting (Los Angeles) – In July 2024, multiple blocks lost streetlight service due to copper theft, raising safety concerns amid delayed repairs.
- Landline and internet services halt (Hacienda Heights) – In November 2024, repeated theft interrupted landline and internet service for residents in Hacienda Heights and surrounding areas, forcing students out of school, disrupting 911 and emergency alerts.
- Power outage and school closure (Vallejo) – In January 2025, copper theft shut down a school, cancelling classes and delaying sporting events until repairs could be completed.
- Record-high streetlight outages (Los Angeles) – In 2025, LA neighborhoods reported unprecedented streetlight failures, primarily due to theft and vandalism, raising public safety concerns and slowing response times.
- Senior residents in South L.A. – In May 2025, theft cut landline service for thousands of seniors and residents across South Los Angeles.
- Telecommunications outages (Ventura County) – In June 2025, attempted copper theft nearly severed internet service across L.A.–Ventura counties, threatening hospitals, schools, and transit systems.
- Fiber optic vandalism – In October 2025, vandals targeted Verizon's fiber cables (which do not include copper), leaving thousands without internet or phone service.
"With the signing of AB 476, we remove any incentive to steal copper wire or critical public infrastructure," Assemblymember González added. "I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his leadership and support in protecting our communities and public safety."
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.
AB 476 passed the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support and is backed by cities, law enforcement, utilities, businesses, and community organizations statewide.
A recording of the press conference held on October 6th, 2025, is available here. Assemblymember González was joined by 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 calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB 476.
Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He serves on the Committees on Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, Rules, and Utilities & Energy. He represents the 54th 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
