Mayor Karen Bass endorsed a proposed bill introduced by Assemblyman Mark González, D-Los Angeles, that aims to further address copper wire theft and crack down on repeat offenders.
Bass and González visited BCD Tofu House in Koreatown, where they met with the owner to discuss the impacts of copper wire theft. After the visit, Bass announced her support for the assemblyman’s law, Assembly Bill 1941.
The proposed legislation aims to “strengthen enforcement by targeting repeat and organized offenders who steal or traffic stolen materials,” according to officials. The bill, if approved, would establish a statewide data-sharing tool to allow law enforcement, public agencies and private partners such as telecom companies and recycling centers to share information and track organized theft operations.
CalBroadband, the League of California Cities and USTelecom-The Broadband Association have issued their support for the bill as well.
“Copper wire theft isn’t just a nuisance — it degrades our neighborhoods, harms businesses and is a threat to public safety,” Mayor Bass said in a statement.
“We’re taking action locally to install solar street lights and train LAPD officers in every part of L.A. to go after these criminals, and AB 1941 brings in the full weight of the state of California to back us up. We are committed to fighting this reckless crime and ensure those responsible face serious consequences,” Bass added.
González added, “Copper wire thieves have taken it too damn far.”
He said copper wire thieves are treating cities and public infrastructure as scrap yards just to make a quick buck.
“We need to come together to remind these vandals that endangering our communities with a senseless crime will come with hefty consequences,” González said in a statement.
. This bill is expected to be heard in the Assembly Committee on Public Safety at a future meeting, according to González’s office.