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AB-1218 • 2026

Copper theft.

Copper theft.

Crime Labor
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Soria
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Died - Public Safety
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The source text uses the phrase 'as specified' multiple times without listing every specific detail covered by the law.

AB-1218: New Rules on Copper Theft and Metal Dealers

This law makes it a crime to possess copper without proof of ownership, bans faking records about that proof, and requires metal dealers to find out where purchased materials came from.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it a crime to unlawfully possess copper materials as specified in the bill.
  • Defines 'unlawful possession' as holding copper without documentation proving lawful ownership.
  • Requires proof of lawful possession to include the seller's identity and the date of the transaction.
  • Prohibits people from falsifying any record intended to show proof of lawful possession.
  • Requires metal collectors or dealers to find out where purchased material was obtained before buying it.
  • Makes it a crime for scrap metal workers to possess items if they know those items were held without proof of lawful possession.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who hold copper materials without proper documentation proving ownership.
  • Collectors and dealers of metals, including those in salvage and recycling businesses.
  • Local agencies that enforce these new state laws.

Terms To Know

Unlawful possession
Having copper materials without documents proving you legally own them or bought them from a seller.
Proof of lawful possession
Documents showing the identity of the person who sold the metal and the date of the sale.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not state an effective date.
  • The specific list of copper materials covered is described as 'as specified' without full details in this summary.
  • The reason why no reimbursement is required for local costs is stated but the specific detail is not provided.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Died - Public Safety

Official Summary Text

Copper theft.