A new California law going into effect in 2026 will increase fines for buying stolen “junk” metal and require buyers to keep stricter records of their transactions. AB 476, introduced by Assemblymember Mark González, was signed by Governor Newsom in October and is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
According to the bill text, current law only requires buyers to record basic information for each transaction, such as the date, location, description of the item, and a statement of ownership. AB 476 adds several new requirements. Buyers will now have to record the time of the transaction, the amount paid, and the name of the employee responsible for the sale or purchase.
The new law will also require a signed statement of ownership or a signed declaration naming the person from whom the metal was obtained.
AB 476 also raises fines for dealers who buy or receive stolen public-infrastructure metals. The maximum fine will increase from $1,000 to $5,000.
The law comes amid a surge in copper-wire thefts across California that have left key infrastructure in the dark. In 2023, thieves stole $11,000 worth of copper wire from LA’s Sixth Street Bridge, leaving the bridge without functioning lights. In 2024, multiple blocks in LA lost street lighting due to thefts targeting electrical infrastructure.
The thefts weren’t limited to Los Angeles. In 2025, UC San Diego reported multiple copper-wire and equipment thefts, resulting in more than $74,000 in losses.
“I want to thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 476. This commonsense legislation that gives law enforcement and cities additional tools to track illegal transactions, stop thieves, and hold bad actors accountable. In California, we are turning the lights back on” said Assemblymember González in a press conference.
