Sacramento, California – In response to a surge in copper wire thefts plaguing cities and utilities across California, state lawmakers are advancing a sweeping new measure to tighten regulation of scrap metal dealers and recyclers. Assembly Bill 476 , authored by Assemblymember Mark González, would significantly strengthen oversight of the buying and selling of copper and other metals commonly targeted by thieves.
Under current law, junk dealers and recyclers must maintain detailed written records of all purchases and sales, including basic information about the seller and the material. However, AB 476 proposes substantial changes. If enacted, the bill would require dealers to document additional details such as the transaction time, amount paid, and the employee’s identity who handled the sale. Sellers must also provide their full legal name, date of birth, residence address, and sign a statement confirming ownership or lawful possession of the materials.
To further deter theft, the bill would prohibit the sale of nonferrous metals, such as copper, by anyone under the age of 18 and mandate that sellers provide proof of lawful ownership, like an invoice or contractor’s license. Junk dealers would be obligated to keep these records for at least one year and submit to random inspections by law enforcement during business hours…