Frustrated by relentless copper wire thefts and darkened streets, LA leaders urge Newsom to strengthen penalties

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The three aspects of the bill: Generally, AB 476 seeks to remove the incentive for copper wire thieves by strengthening regulation of the metal recycling business. If signed, the bill would expand the types of information metal recyclers need to record when they make a transaction. Existing state law explicitly prohibits recyclers from possessing, without authorization, materials like fire hydrants or manhole covers. The bill would expand that list to include other materials and infrastructure targeted by thieves, like streetlights and EV chargers, and increase the fine for violators. Lastly, the bill increases fines for recyclers who knowingly purchase materials that belong to public entities without ensuring the seller is authorized to do so.

What’s the status of the bill: Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, who represents downtown L.A. and Boyle Heights — among the neighborhoods most affected by copper wire theft — introduced the bill in February. It passed the state Assembly and Senate floors unanimously. Now, it’s up to Newsom.

What local leaders said: L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said he supports the bill’s focus on enforcement of metal recyclers because it’s difficult to go after thieves themselves in real time. Hochman added that if the bill gets signed, his office will be “absolutely relentless” in going after “illegal junk and metal recyclers.” Councilmember Ysabel Jurado said AB 476 “shifts the focus to prevention, transparency and accountability” and would make sure families in her district, which is disproportionately affected by copper wire theft, have equitable access to public resources, like functioning streetlights.

Sixth Street Bridge: Gonzalez said the Sixth Street Bridge, where thieves have stolen miles of copper wire, is an example of the “scale of this problem and the urgency of our response.” Jurado said the latest city budget allocates $2.5 million to fortify and relight the bridge by the 2028 Games. She said the design for the repairs, led by the L.A. Bureau of Engineering, will start this fall.