Copper theft.
- Establishes new penalties for unlawful possession of copper materials valued over $950.
- Requires metal dealers to document seller information and material source location for all copper purchases.
- Imposes fines up to $10,000 for falsifying copper possession records.
- Creates stricter regulations for salvage dealers handling public utility equipment and materials.
Assembly Member Soria's copper theft prevention legislation establishes new requirements for possessing and trading copper materials in California, creating a comprehensive documentation system to verify legitimate ownership. The bill defines "unlawful possession" of copper materials valued over $950 and mandates specific record-keeping requirements to prove lawful possession.
Under the proposed changes, metal dealers and collectors must maintain detailed transaction records that include seller identification, material descriptions, transaction dates, and the location where materials were obtained. The legislation also prohibits falsifying these records, with violations punishable by fines up to $2,500 and potential imprisonment. For materials typically used by utilities or public agencies, dealers must verify the seller's legal right to transfer ownership.
The bill expands existing restrictions on salvage and recycling businesses regarding certain public infrastructure items like fire hydrants, manhole covers, and backflow devices. Possession of these items without proper documentation now constitutes a criminal offense subject to fines up to $3,000, in addition to other applicable penalties. Local agencies will implement these new requirements without state reimbursement, as the changes fall under constitutional provisions regarding crime definition modifications.
 Tom LackeyR Assemblymember | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 James RamosD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Matt HaneyD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Juan AlanisR Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Esmeralda SoriaD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
- Establishes new penalties for unlawful possession of copper materials valued over $950.
- Requires metal dealers to document seller information and material source location for all copper purchases.
- Imposes fines up to $10,000 for falsifying copper possession records.
- Creates stricter regulations for salvage dealers handling public utility equipment and materials.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Soria's copper theft prevention legislation establishes new requirements for possessing and trading copper materials in California, creating a comprehensive documentation system to verify legitimate ownership. The bill defines "unlawful possession" of copper materials valued over $950 and mandates specific record-keeping requirements to prove lawful possession.
Under the proposed changes, metal dealers and collectors must maintain detailed transaction records that include seller identification, material descriptions, transaction dates, and the location where materials were obtained. The legislation also prohibits falsifying these records, with violations punishable by fines up to $2,500 and potential imprisonment. For materials typically used by utilities or public agencies, dealers must verify the seller's legal right to transfer ownership.
The bill expands existing restrictions on salvage and recycling businesses regarding certain public infrastructure items like fire hydrants, manhole covers, and backflow devices. Possession of these items without proper documentation now constitutes a criminal offense subject to fines up to $3,000, in addition to other applicable penalties. Local agencies will implement these new requirements without state reimbursement, as the changes fall under constitutional provisions regarding crime definition modifications.
Tom LackeyR Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
James RamosD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Matt HaneyD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Juan AlanisR Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Esmeralda SoriaD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |