A California Assembly bill aimed at protecting immigrant service providers from online harassment has been labeled the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” by critics, who argue it would criminalize investigative journalism and shield potential fraud in taxpayer-funded programs.
Official Name and Purpose
The legislation, Assembly Bill 2624 (AB 2624), officially titled “Privacy for immigration support services providers,” was authored by Democratic Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Introduced in February 2026 and amended as recently as April 9, the bill creates a new address confidentiality program under the Government Code. It mirrors existing protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care workers.
Under the bill, immigration support services providers, employees, volunteers, and sometimes those receiving services at designated facilities (such as nonprofits offering legal aid, advocacy, case management, translation, or health care to immigrants) could apply to the Secretary of State for a confidential “designated address.” Applicants must show evidence of threats, harassment, or doxxing linked to their work. Once approved, state and local agencies would use the substitute address in public records, with the real address shielded from disclosure.
The measure also prohibits knowingly posting or sharing a participant’s “personal information” or “image”—explicitly defined to include photographs, video footage, sketches, or computer-generated images—on the internet or social media if done with intent to incite imminent great bodily harm, threaten safety, or after a written demand not to post has been issued. Violations could result in civil damages (minimum $4,000, up to triple actual damages), fines up to $10,000, misdemeanor or felony charges, and jail time. False statements on applications would also be misdemeanors. The program is set to begin accepting applications in April 2027.
Supporters, including the bill’s Democratic backers, say it addresses a real rise in threats against immigrant-service workers amid heightened national immigration debates.
The Nick Shirley Connection
Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (AD-75) coined the nickname “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” claiming the bill is a direct response to the work of conservative YouTuber and independent journalist Nick Shirley. Shirley has gained attention for undercover-style videos exposing what he describes as widespread fraud—potentially involving hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars—in California programs serving immigrants, including hospices, daycares, and nonprofit offices. His investigations often feature footage recorded inside or outside these facilities.
DeMaio and other critics argue that the bill’s broad language on sharing “images” (videos) and “personal information,” combined with penalties tied to perceived intent to harass, would create a chilling effect on citizen journalists and whistleblowers. They contend it prioritizes shielding organizations from scrutiny over government transparency and fraud prevention.
Shirley himself has publicly slammed the bill, stating it would make his type of reporting illegal.
Current Status and Controversy
As of April 13–14, 2026, AB 2624 has advanced out of committee in the Democrat-controlled Assembly. Opponents warn it represents an attempt to limit public oversight of programs that receive significant state funding. Supporters maintain it is narrowly tailored to prevent violence and doxxing without broadly restricting legitimate journalism.
The debate highlights a familiar tension in California politics: balancing privacy and safety against transparency and accountability. Whether the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” becomes law will depend on further votes in the Legislature and any potential legal challenges over First Amendment concerns. For now, it has thrust independent journalism and government oversight into the spotlight once again.
SOURCES:
Bill Text – AB-2624 Privacy for immigration support services providers.
Nick Shirley slams California bill, claims it would stop videos exposing fraud
CA Democrats Advance “Stop Nick Shirley Act” to Criminalize Investigative Journalism – AD75 | DeMaio
What does the ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ do? – Deseret News
