Gavin Newsom Signs Controversial ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ Into California Law

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a controversial measure dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” expanding privacy protections for employees and volunteers at nonprofit organizations that provide immigration services while drawing fierce criticism from Republicans and free-speech advocates.

The legislation, Assembly Bill 2624, expands California’s existing Safe at Home program to include qualifying immigration-service providers, employees and volunteers. The program allows participants to use substitute mailing addresses to keep certain home, work and school address information out of public records.

The legislation was introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Mia Bonta of Oakland. Supporters argue workers at organizations assisting immigrants have increasingly faced doxxing, harassment and threats and deserve protections similar to those already available to victims of domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking.

Republican opponents, however, have branded the measure the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” because of concerns that provisions involving the publication of images and personal information could interfere with investigative reporting. Independent journalist Nick Shirley has become known for confronting organizations and individuals while investigating alleged fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs.

Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio became one of the legislation’s most vocal opponents. During debate over the measure, he argued that California should encourage journalists and citizen watchdogs to investigate organizations receiving taxpayer money rather than create laws that could discourage scrutiny.

Supporters dispute claims that the legislation amounts to a ban on investigative journalism. The final measure includes protections tied to harmful intent and an exemption involving journalists protected under California law, while advocates maintain that legitimate reporting and government fraud investigations can continue.

The political fight surrounding the bill intensified because Shirley has conducted investigations in California involving alleged fraud at taxpayer-funded programs and nonprofit organizations. Critics contend that expanding privacy protections for people associated with such organizations could make it more difficult for independent investigators to identify individuals connected to questionable operations.

Bonta and other supporters reject that characterization. They say the legislation is intended to prevent targeted harassment of immigration-service workers, not shield organizations from legitimate scrutiny or prevent law enforcement agencies from investigating suspected fraud.

The legislation passed California’s Democratic-controlled Legislature despite Republican opposition. Newsom signed the measure Saturday without issuing an extensive public defense of the controversial provisions, officially turning AB 2624 into state law.

The dispute has also become part of a broader political battle over California’s immigration policies and government spending. Republicans argue the state should be making taxpayer-funded organizations more transparent, while Democrats supporting the measure say employees should not have to expose themselves or their families to harassment simply because of where they work.

Shirley and other opponents are not backing down following Newsom’s signature. Shirley is expected to participate in a protest at the California State Capitol as critics continue raising concerns about the legislation’s potential effect on citizen journalism and government accountability.

The law’s Safe at Home expansion is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, 2027. Its implementation will likely remain closely watched as California attempts to balance privacy protections for immigration-service workers against concerns that the new rules could discourage journalists and watchdogs from investigating organizations receiving public money.