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AB 1218

Copper theft.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Esmeralda Soria

Criminalizes unlawful copper possession without proof of lawful ownership, strengthens dealer records, and expands liability for scrap businesses to curb copper theft.

From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
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Bill Summary · AB 1218

AB 1218 (Soria) — Copper theft — Bill summary

Status: Introduced February 21, 2025. Amended March 24, 2025; re-referred to Assembly Public Safety Committee. Set for first hearing April 28, 2025 (hearing canceled at author's request). Currently in committee.

Purpose / intent

To deter copper theft and disrupt the market for stolen copper by (1) criminalizing unlawful possession of copper that lacks documentation of lawful ownership, (2) strengthening record‑keeping requirements for metal dealers/collectors, and (3) expanding criminal liability for scrap metal businesses that possess items without proof of lawful possession.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Penal Code § 487j (grand theft of copper)

    • Expands existing grand theft offense (copper valued over $950) to include unlawful possession of copper materials (e.g., copper wire, cable, tubing, piping).
    • Defines “unlawfully possesses” to include possession of copper valued over $950 without proof of lawful possession, and possession of copper ordinarily used by utilities or public agencies without proof of lawful possession.
    • Specifies what constitutes proof of lawful possession: a record containing (1) seller’s name, address, telephone; (2) buyer’s/consignee’s name, address, telephone (if not sold); (3) common/generic name and quantity of material; (4) date of transaction; and (5) location from which material was obtained.
    • Creates a separate offense for knowingly falsifying records intended to demonstrate lawful possession.
    • Penalties for grand theft/falsification: fine up to $2,500 and/or county jail up to 1 year (or sentencing under §1170(h) with fines up to $10,000).

  • Amendment to Penal Code § 496a (dealers/collectors)

    • Requires dealers/collectors to use due diligence to ensure sellers have legal right to sell materials.
    • Expands required seller identification and transaction information to include vehicle license number and the location from which material was obtained.
    • Requires transaction records to include appropriate description of material and be maintained pursuant to Business & Professions Code § 21607.
    • Penalties retained: up to 1 year county jail and/or fine (up to $1,000).

  • Amendment to Penal Code § 496e (scrap metal possession of public‑agency items)

    • Adds liability where scrap metal businesses possess specified public‑agency items (e.g., fire hydrants/parts, fire department connections, manhole covers/lids, backflow devices) that were possessed without proof of lawful possession as defined in § 487j, or fail to report possession as required.
    • Provides additional criminal fines (text indicates up to $3,000) and other penalties.

Who is affected

  • Individuals who possess copper materials valued over $950 (they must be able to produce specified proof of lawful possession).
  • Scrap metal dealers, collectors, recyclers, salvage businesses — increased recordkeeping and due‑diligence obligations.
  • Utilities, public agencies, and law enforcement — potential reduction in copper theft and improved tracing of transactions.
  • Local governments — bill expands criminal scope and thus may impose state‑mandated local program obligations (the bill text notes this).

Procedural / fiscal notes

  • The bill expands criminal liability and recordkeeping duties for private businesses; the Legislative Counsel’s Digest states that by expanding the scope of a crime the bill would impose a state‑mandated local program.
  • The bill includes a provision stating “no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason” (as drafted in the digest).
  • Next steps: subject to committee hearings in Assembly Public Safety.

Potential impacts

  • Strengthens prosecution tools against possession of stolen copper and reduces ability to launder stolen scrap through dealers.
  • Increases compliance costs and recordkeeping burdens for scrap yards and metal dealers.
  • May aid utilities in recovering stolen infrastructure and reduce service disruptions caused by copper theft.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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