Copper theft.

Assembly Member Soria's copper theft prevention legislation establishes new requirements for possessing and trading copper materials in California, creating a comprehensive documentation system to verify legitimate ownership. The bill defines "unlawful possession" of copper materials valued over $950 and mandates specific record-keeping requirements to prove lawful possession.

Under the proposed changes, metal dealers and collectors must maintain detailed transaction records that include seller identification, material descriptions, transaction dates, and the location where materials were obtained. The legislation also prohibits falsifying these records, with violations punishable by fines up to $2,500 and potential imprisonment. For materials typically used by utilities or public agencies, dealers must verify the seller's legal right to transfer ownership.

The bill expands existing restrictions on salvage and recycling businesses regarding certain public infrastructure items like fire hydrants, manhole covers, and backflow devices. Possession of these items without proper documentation now constitutes a criminal offense subject to fines up to $3,000, in addition to other applicable penalties. Local agencies will implement these new requirements without state reimbursement, as the changes fall under constitutional provisions regarding crime definition modifications.