Sacramento may be offering some help in the ongoing battle against copper theft in the state.
Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez (D-Los Angeles) has proposed Assembly Bill 476, which would require better recordkeeping regarding the purchase of scrap metal, among other changes.
“These measures will increase transparency, discourage illicit sales and ensure accountability throughout the recycling and resale process,” said an analysis of the bill reported by LAist.
Copper thefts have plagued Southern California in recent years, resulting in darkened streets and prompting anti-theft measures from local government officials.
Targets have included the 6th Street Bridge, which was planned to be a “ribbon of light” but instead became a dark annoyance for neighbors.
Gonzalez said 38,000 feet of copper wire — that’s more than seven miles — were taken from the 6th Street Bridge alone.
“These crimes go beyond financial losses; they create unsafe conditions for residents and businesses by leaving streets, neighborhoods and business corridors in complete darkness,” he said, as reported by LAist.
Despite the long-running issues, the city of Los Angeles could cut the Department of Street Lighting’s budget by about $3 million, according to the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
Travis Schlepp contributed to this report.
