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  "description": "Backed by cities, utilities, and broadband groups statewide",
  "path": "/california-bill-tightens-scrap-metal-rules-raises-theft-penalties/",
  "publishedAt": "2025-11-03T22:39:44.000Z",
  "site": "https://broadbandbreakfast.com",
  "tags": [
    "_advanced a bipartisan bill_",
    "_identified_"
  ],
  "textContent": "Nov. 3, 2025 – California lawmakers _advanced a bipartisan bill_ to tighten oversight of junk dealers and metal recyclers amid rising thefts of public infrastructure materials.\n\nExisting law required dealers to record each sale and purchase, keep ownership statements, and obtain valid identification before payment. The new measure adds stricter recordkeeping rules, mandating that dealers log the time, amount paid, and employee handling each transaction and obtain a signed ownership statement from sellers.\n\nThe bill also broadened restrictions on possessing stolen public property. Alongside items such as fire hydrants and manhole covers, it added streetlights, poles, and related fixtures to the list of materials that cannot be held without written certification from the owning agency.\n\nFines for knowingly buying or possessing stolen infrastructure or utility materials would increase from $3,000 to $5,000, and fines for purchasing scrap wire or copper without verifying legal ownership would rise from $1,000 to $5,000.\n\nCalifornia has been _identified_ by industry officials and law enforcement as a hotspot for copper and metal theft, with repeated incidents targeting communications and utility networks. Lawmakers said the bill is intended to strengthen documentation and enforcement practices in response to those losses.\n\nThe proposal drew support from a broad coalition of cities, labor unions, utilities, and telecommunications groups, including the League of California Cities, Pacific Gas and Electric, Comcast, Charter Communications, CTIA, and USTelecom.\n\nThe bill was introduced by state Assemblyman **Mark Gonzalez** , D-Los Angeles, with bipartisan coauthors. It expanded enforcement duties for local agencies, creating a state-mandated local program under California law.",
  "title": "California Bill Tightens Scrap-Metal Rules, Raises Theft Penalties",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-11T05:43:36.805Z"
}