Crimes: theft.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide information about the bill's effect on crime rates or copper material thefts, nor does it specify what happens if the total value of thefts against critical infrastructure is less than $950.

Theft of Copper Materials

SB-1266 changes how the value of stolen copper materials is calculated and allows thefts against critical infrastructure to be combined over a period of 90 days.

What This Bill Does

• Changes the way the value of stolen copper materials is calculated from fair market scrap value to the full cost for repair and replacement, including labor and equipment.
• Allows the total value of thefts committed against critical infrastructure within 90 days to be added together if it meets or exceeds $950.
• Amends Proposition 47 to use the same calculation method for stolen property valued at more than $950.

Who It Names or Affects

• Victims of copper material thefts
• People who steal copper materials

Terms To Know

Critical Infrastructure

Important systems and assets that are essential to the health, safety, security, or economic well-being of communities.

Proposition 47

A law passed by voters in California that changes how certain crimes are treated under the law.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if the total value of thefts against critical infrastructure is less than $950.
• It's unclear how this change will affect crime rates or copper material thefts.

Official Summary Text

SB 1266, as amended, Stern.
Crimes: theft.
Under existing law, it is grand theft to steal, take, or carry away copper materials of another valued at more than $950.
This bill would require, for the purposes of this provision, value to be calculated as the full cost to the victim to repair and replace the stolen materials, including labor and equipment, rather than the fair market scrap value.
The bill would also authorize the value of thefts committed against critical infrastructure within a 90-day period to be aggregated to meet the $950 threshold.
Because this bill would expand the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Existing law, the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, enacted by Proposition 47, as approved by the voters
at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, requires the receipt of stolen property that does not exceed $950 to be punished as a misdemeanor, except in cases when the defendant has previously been convicted of one or more specified serious or violent felonies or an offense requiring registration as a sex offender. Proposition 47 authorizes amendment of its provisions by a
2
/
3
vote of the Members of each house of the Legislature so long as the amendments are consistent with and further the intent of the act.
This bill would amend Proposition 47 and require, for the purposes of this provision, value to be calculated as the full cost to the victim to repair and replace the stolen materials, including labor and equipment, rather than the fair market scrap value. Because this bill would expand the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local
program.
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.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF