A new legislative effort in California aims to tackle the rising incidence of copper wire thefts that have led to significant streetlight outages in Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Boyle Heights. This issue has raised safety concerns among residents and local businesses alike.

Overview of Assembly Bill 476

Recently, a state Assembly committee voted unanimously in favor of Assembly Bill 476, with an 18-0 outcome. The bill is now set for a hearing in the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 29. Spearheaded by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, the legislation introduces stricter regulations aimed at curbing illicit copper wire sales.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Assembly Bill 476 proposes several significant changes, including:

• Enhanced reporting requirements for junk dealers and recyclers of copper wire.
• Mandatory licensing for sellers of copper to increase accountability.
• Updated restrictions on the possession of scrap metal obtained from essential public infrastructure.
• Revised penalties to better reflect the societal costs arising from thefts.

According to the bill’s analysis, these measures aim to foster transparency and discourage illicit sales in the recycling and resale industries.

The Impact of Copper Wire Thefts

Assemblymember Gonzalez highlighted the widespread ramifications of these thefts, noting a significant rise in streetlight outages in his district, which encompasses downtown Los Angeles and neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, Westlake, Koreatown, Pico-Union, and Chinatown.

In 2024, Los Angeles’ Bureau of Street Lighting recorded approximately 45,000 service requests, many linked to theft and vandalism. Notably, Boyle Heights accounted for 1,907 outage requests—the second-highest figure in the city.

One incident stood out: the theft of nearly seven miles of copper wire from the Sixth Street Bridge, which incurred repair costs of about $2.5 million despite the metal’s market value being only $11,000.

Community and Legislative Responses

Gonzalez stated that these thefts “create unsafe conditions for residents and businesses.” His sentiment echoes the need for action, as increased streetlight outages lead to dark, unsafe environments in affected areas.

Last year, a high-profile initiative led by former Councilmember Kevin de León, along with Councilmember Traci Park, resulted in the establishment of a task force aimed at combating metal theft. This initiative, in collaboration with local police and street lighting officials, has led to numerous arrests and the recovery of substantial amounts of stolen copper wire.

Support and Opposition

The bill has garnered support from various organizations, including the League of California Cities and the Electric Vehicle Charging Association. However, the Recycled Materials Association has voiced concerns, arguing that the licensing requirements may push legitimate suppliers out of business, forcing them to turn to black-market alternatives.