Officials Urge Newsom to Sign AB 476

Local leaders led by Assemblymember Mark González and LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign AB 476 to curb rampant copper wire theft that has left landmarks like the Sixth Street Bridge and entire neighborhoods in the dark. The bill would tighten regulation of metal recyclers and junk dealers by requiring detailed transaction records and a signed seller verification, expand the list of prohibited public-infrastructure items (including streetlights, EV chargers, fire hydrants and manhole covers), and raise fines and penalties for knowingly buying or possessing stolen metal. Officials say copper thefts produced nearly 46,000 streetlight outage reports in 2024 — with about 40% occurring in downtown Los Angeles — have cost taxpayers millions in repairs and created serious safety and security concerns. Supporters say AB 476 shifts enforcement to the demand side by targeting illegal recyclers, and local prosecutors have pledged vigorous enforcement if it becomes law. The measure passed both legislative chambers unanimously and has been on the governor’s desk since Sept. 12, with advocates pressing for an immediate signature.