Cal Cities-sponsored bill would protect vital public infrastructure from ongoing damage

By Serena Scott, legislative affairs analyst, and Jolena Voorhis, legislative advocate (public safety)

Cal Cities this month partnered with Asm. Mark González and broadband organizations on legislation seeking to crack down on copper wire theft. AB 1941 builds on a sponsored copper wire theft bill by González that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed late last year.

Cities across California continue to face the serious impacts of organized metal theft. Cities must absorb the financial costs and public safety consequences of copper theft targeting critical public infrastructure like telecommunications lines, electrical utility equipment, water systems, streetlights, and traffic signals.

"Copper wire theft is not a victimless crime," said González. "It is a crime that leaves abuelitas without power for A/C or heat, brings our public transportation to a halt, blackouts phone service to rural community members, and leaves our neighborhoods in the dark."

AB 1941 would strengthen metal theft enforcement and prevention efforts in two keyways:

• Target repeat and organized offenders who steal or traffic prohibited metal materials.
• Establish a statewide data-sharing tool to improve coordination and visibility among law enforcement agencies, public agencies, and private entities.

"Cal Cities is proud to co-sponsor AB 1941, a crucial step toward enforcing copper wire theft laws and protecting the critical public infrastructure our communities rely upon," said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. "Copper wire theft threatens the delivery of essential emergency response services, broadband, electricity, water, and street safety, and places a significant financial strain on cities. AB 1941 is a smart solution that will keep our communities safe and fiscally sound."

The city of Los Angeles is a devastating example of the consequences of organized metal theft. Since opening its Sixth Street Bridge in 2022, thieves have stripped 38,000 feet of copper wire from the bridge, costing an estimated $2.5 million to repair. The bridge remains dark at night, along with sections of the busy 405 freeway and numerous city blocks.

CBS News California Investigates found that residents submitted close to 40,000 service requests in 2025, nearly half the result of wire theft. The Bureau of Street Lighting spent $60 million on copper wire theft repairs in 2025 due to theft and vandalism to their network, with individual council members using their discretionary funds to pay for some repairs.

To show your support for AB 1941, please submit a letter using Cal Cities’ sample support letter.