Investigative journalist Nick Shirley has filed a lawsuit against California, challenging a state law named after him that he claims infringes upon his First Amendment rights. The law, officially AB 2624 and dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in August and is set to take effect on October 7, 2027.
Shirley, known for his undercover video reporting on various forms of fraud, alleges that the law is designed to undermine his investigative tactics and those of similar journalists. The legislation prohibits individuals and businesses from knowingly publishing the personal information of those involved in designated immigration support services, and allows affected parties to seek civil remedies.
America First Legal, representing Shirley, contends that the law’s broad and vague language creates uncertainty about what information can be published, thereby chilling free speech. The lawsuit asserts that the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as the Constitution's Ex Post Facto Clauses, which prevent the government from enacting retroactive criminal laws.
The suit highlights the timing of the law's introduction, noting that California Attorney General Rob Bonta denounced Shirley's fraud accusations in the state on February 5, and his wife, Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, introduced the bill on February 20. America First Legal has accused California of viewpoint discrimination, suggesting the law does not extend similar protections to groups critical of immigration.
Shirley's previous reporting gained significant attention last year for uncovering welfare fraud in Minnesota, where he documented daycare centers allegedly misusing taxpayer funds. One report focused on the "Quality Learing Center," which reportedly received approximately $1.9 million from taxpayers. Overall, investigations in Minnesota revealed an estimated $1 billion in fraud across various public assistance programs, with some estimates suggesting the total could be as high as $9 billion.
Shirley’s work has also extended to investigating the impact of the migrant crisis in California. His efforts reportedly inspired the creation of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud during the Trump administration, which was led by then-Vice President J.D. Vance.