California Democrats Advance “Stop Nick Shirley Act” (AB 2624) to Silence Citizen Journalists Exposing Taxpayer Fraud

Shirley testifies before Congress

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a move critics are calling a direct assault on the First Amendment and transparent government, California Assembly Democrats have advanced AB 2624 — now widely dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” — which opponents warn would criminalize investigative journalism by shielding certain nonprofit and service organizations from public scrutiny.

The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), is framed by supporters as a privacy protection for “immigration support services providers” facing harassment or threats. However, Republican lawmakers and free-speech advocates argue the bill’s language goes far beyond that, allowing organizations and their affiliates to demand the removal of video footage — even when filmed in public — and imposing steep financial penalties on those who publish it online.

Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R) slammed the bill during a recent Assembly committee hearing, directly confronting Bonta and labeling the measure the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” in honor of the young citizen journalist whose viral undercover videos have exposed alleged fraud and abuse in taxpayer-funded programs.

"California Democrats are trying to intimidate citizen watchdog journalists and protect waste and fraud happening in far-Left-wing NGOs,” -DeMaio stated.

“AB 2624 can only be described as the ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ — a bill designed to silence citizen journalists exposing fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Instead of fixing the fraud problems being uncovered, Sacramento politicians are trying to shut down the people exposing them.”

Who is Nick Shirley?

Nick Shirley, a 24-year-old right-wing YouTuber and independent journalist, rose to prominence through on-the-ground investigative reporting. His videos have documented alleged fraud in government-funded immigrant services, including child care centers and hospice operations, using public footage and direct documentation. Shirley’s work has gone viral nationwide, shining a light on what he describes as systemic abuse of taxpayer funds.

The bill’s critics contend it would empower the very organizations Shirley has scrutinized — such as certain Somali-run day care centers operating in California — to retroactively censor videos by claiming they constitute “harassment.” Under the proposed law, individuals affiliated with covered entities could seek removal of images or recordings and pursue costly penalties against publishers, even if the footage captures misconduct in plain view.

DeMaio’s full statement continued:

“AB 2624 would allow activists and taxpayer-funded organizations to demand the removal of video evidence — even if it captures misconduct in plain view — and threatens journalists with massive financial penalties. That’s not about public safety — it’s about protecting powerful interests. If this bill becomes law, the message is clear to every journalist in California: expose corruption and you will be punished. AB 2624 is an unconstitutional direct attack on transparency and the First Amendment — and it needs to be defeated.

”The bill advanced on a party-line vote in committee on April 13, 2026. It mirrors confidentiality programs already in place for reproductive health and gender-affirming care providers but extends similar protections to immigration-related services.

Supporters have not publicly responded to the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” nickname, but the legislation’s text focuses on prohibiting the posting of personal information or images “with intent to incite violence or threats.” Opponents maintain that the vague language creates a chilling effect on legitimate investigative work.WECU News will continue to monitor AB 2624 as it moves through the Legislature. Californians concerned about government transparency are urged to contact their Assembly members and demand the bill’s defeat.