CA AB1941

Creates the crime of "organized metal theft" for individuals who act in concert with others to steal metal from infrastructure, receive stolen metal with two or more people, act as an agent in organized metal theft, or recruit, coordinate, or finance others to commit metal theft

Establishes penalties including up to one year in county jail for most violations, with felony-level punishment available when thefts occur on two or more occasions within 12 months and aggregated value exceeds $950

Authorizes local law enforcement, public agencies, and private entities (including telecommunications and utility companies) to share information about commodity metal thefts with the Department of Justice, which must make this information available to reporting entities

Specifies evidence courts may consider to prove "acting in concert," including prior coordinated theft activity, possession of metal-stripping tools, and possession of quantities inconsistent with personal use

Cites findings that copper theft has caused millions in damages to California infrastructure, including the Los Angeles "Ribbon of Light" bridge ($2.5 million in repairs) and nearly 46,000 streetlight service requests in 2024, with 40% theft-related