🚨 NEWSOM SIGNS CONTROVERSIAL “STOP NICK SHIRLEY ACT” INTO LAW
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2624, a controversial law that critics have dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” after independent journalist/YouTuber Nick Shirley. (San Francisco Chronicle)
The law expands California’s Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to employees and volunteers of nonprofits providing immigration services. Qualifying workers who can document recent threats, harassment or violence can receive a state-issued substitute address, shielding their actual home or workplace address from certain public records. (San Francisco Chronicle)
But the controversy goes considerably further.
🔴 Under AB 2624, publishing certain protected workers’ personal information or images with the required intent to incite violence or cause reasonable fear for their safety can expose someone to civil damages starting at $4,000 plus court costs.
🔴 Posting information with the intent that someone commit a violent crime can carry penalties of up to $10,000 and one year in jail.
🔴 If the conduct results in bodily injury, penalties can reach $50,000. (The Daily Caller)
Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio coined the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” nickname because Shirley has been investigating and filming organizations and workers he alleges are connected to fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs. Critics argue the law could have a chilling effect on citizen journalists and fraud investigations. Florida Sen. Ashley Moody went even further, calling it the “Protect Fraudsters Act.” (San Francisco Chronicle)
Supporters strongly dispute that interpretation. Bill author Assemblywoman Mia Bonta says the legislation is aimed at doxxing, threats and targeted harassment—not legitimate investigative journalism—and the final legislation includes protections for journalists. (San Francisco Chronicle)
The timing has only fueled the controversy: Newsom signed the legislation days after Shirley was confronted outside the California Capitol by the chief of staff to a Democratic assemblywoman, who interrupted an interview while displaying a crude sign attacking Shirley personally. (MEAWW News)
Bottom line: California says AB 2624 protects immigration-service workers from harassment and violence. Critics say it creates powerful new legal consequences that could discourage independent investigators from exposing suspected fraud.
The law takes effect October 1, 2027. (San Francisco Chronicle)
