Copper theft.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific information about the enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance with the bill's provisions.

Copper Theft Prevention

AB-1218 makes it illegal to possess copper materials without proper documentation and requires metal dealers to verify the source of purchased metals.

What This Bill Does

• Makes it a crime to unlawfully possess copper materials, which includes possession without documentation proving lawful possession.
• Requires metal collectors or dealers to ascertain the location from which the purchased material was obtained.
• Prohibits falsifying records intended to show proof of lawful possession.
• Expands existing laws about buying junk metals by adding requirements for sellers' identity and location information.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who possess or sell copper materials
• Metal collectors and dealers

Terms To Know

Proof of lawful possession

Documents that show someone has the right to own or sell copper materials.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if someone cannot provide proof of lawful possession.
• It is unclear how this law will be enforced and what penalties dealers might face for non-compliance.

Official Summary Text

AB 1218, as amended, Soria.
Copper theft.
Under existing law it is grand theft to
steal, take, or carry away
steal
copper materials
of another
valued at more than $950. A violation of this provision is punishable either as a misdemeanor or a felony
by imprisonment
in county jail
with fines as specified.
and specified fines.
This bill would make it a crime to unlawfully possess copper materials, as specified. The bill would define what it means to “unlawfully possess” copper materials to include possessing without documentation proving lawful possession. The bill would prescribe the information that constitutes proof of lawful possession, as specified, including the identity of the seller and the date of the transaction. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The bill would also prohibit a person from falsifying any record intending to show proof of lawful possession. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Existing law prohibits any collector or dealer of metals to purchase certain junk metals, as specified, without first ascertaining that the seller legally possesses the materials. Existing law also requires the
dealer to obtain evidence of the identity of the seller, including, but not limited to, the seller’s name and address.
This bill would require any collector or dealer of metals to ascertain the location from which the purchased material was obtained.
Existing law makes it a crime for a person who is engaged in the salvage, recycling, purchase, or sale of scrap metal to possess certain items that have been stolen or obtained by theft or extortion, as specified, and requires that the person knew or reasonably should have known that the property was stolen or failed to report possession of the items, as specified.
This bill would additionally prohibit a person who is engaged in the salvage, recycling, purchase, or sale of scrap metal, as specified, from possessing certain items knowing that those items were possessed without proof of lawful possession.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to that provision.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF