Copper theft bill passes Senate, awaits governor’s signature

A bill police say will deter metal theft by requiring scrap dealers to write checks rather than hand out cash is in the hands of the governor after passing the state Senate on Monday. Assembly Bill 841, the Copper Theft Prevention Act authored by Norma Torres (D-Pomona), passed 30-6. Torres, who introduced the bill in February, said in a press releases that she is encouraging Gov. Jerry Brown to sign the bill to give law enforcement extra tools to track down copper thieves. Torres’ bill has already received support from the California State Sheriff’s Association and the California District Attorneys Association.