AB 1218: Copper theft.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Under existing law it is grand theft to steal copper materials valued at more than $950. A violation of this provision is punishable either as a misdemeanor or a felony by imprisonment in county jail 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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. January 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. January 13, 2026In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
4. April 29, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
5. March 25, 2025Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
6. March 24, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
7. March 24, 2025Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
8. February 24, 2025Read first time.
9. February 22, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.
10. February 21, 2025Introduced. To print.