California Bill Targeting Journalist Nick Shirley Decried as First Amendment Attack

A legislative effort in California, dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” is facing strong criticism for allegedly infringing upon First Amendment rights and targeting investigative journalism. Proponents of the bill, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Assemblymember Mia Bonta, describe Assembly Bill 2624 as a measure to protect the privacy of immigration support service providers.

However, critics contend that the bill's true intent is to shield non-profit organizations from journalistic scrutiny, particularly concerning allegations of fraud or mismanagement. Independent journalist Nick Shirley, who has previously investigated alleged fraud within Somali communities in Minnesota, has reportedly turned his attention to similar issues in California. Sources indicate that AB 2624 was introduced following Shirley's work.

The bill proposes to prohibit the solicitation, sale, or trading of personal information or images of designated immigration support service providers, employees, or volunteers online if the intent is for such information to be used to commit a crime involving violence or a threat of violence. Critics argue that inciting violence is already illegal and that the bill could effectively criminalize journalists who expose issues within these organizations if subsequent illegal threats are made against those organizations.

This legislative action has drawn parallels to past controversies in California involving free speech. The New York Post points to Governor Newsom's signing of a law in 2024 that banned the use of AI in political ads, which was later struck down by a federal court. Additionally, the prosecution of David Daleiden for undercover journalism exposing Planned Parenthood, though later dropped, is cited as an example of perceived governmental overreach against journalists.

Opponents maintain that AB 2624 aims to discourage reporting on non-profits, referencing recent reports on executive compensation within such organizations. They assert that journalists should be protected, not intimidated, and view the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” as a significant blow to press freedom.