Bill > AB1218

This bill addresses copper theft by expanding legal definitions and penalties related to copper material possession and sale. The legislation makes it a crime to unlawfully possess copper materials valued over $950, defining "unlawful possession" as possessing copper without proper documentation proving legal ownership. The bill requires documentation of copper transactions to include the seller's identity, transaction date, and the specific location where the material was obtained. Metal collectors and dealers must now ascertain and document the origin of purchased materials and verify the seller's identity. The bill also prohibits falsifying records intended to show proof of lawful possession, with potential penalties including fines up to $2,500, county jail time up to one year, or both. Additionally, the legislation extends existing laws to cover scrap metal transactions, making it illegal to possess certain stolen public utility or infrastructure-related items, including items possessed without proper documentation. By expanding criminal definitions and documentation requirements, the bill aims to deter copper theft and protect public and private infrastructure assets. The bill does not require state reimbursement to local agencies for implementing these new provisions.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1218