- Public Corruption
- Nov 5, 2026
California Passes "Stop Nick Shirley Act" As Newsom SIGNS $10,000 Fine & 1 Year Jail.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624 on August 22. Critics call it the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," after the independent journalist known for filming outside businesses that receive public money. Supporters say the law protects immigration service workers from doxxing and threats. Critics say it will make fraud harder to expose. Thirteen days later, Nick Shirley sued.
The law takes effect October 1, 2027. No court has ruled on the lawsuit. The claims in the lawsuit are allegations.
In this report
- Who Nick Shirley is and why a law is nicknamed after him
- The February timeline, according to his lawsuit
- What the first version of AB 2624 said, and what changed
- What the final law does: Safe at Home, the $10,000 fine and the "specific intent" wording
- Mia Bonta's response to the criticism
- The committee clash with Assemblyman Carl DeMaio
- Shirley v. Bonta: what the federal lawsuit claims and what happens next
Presumption of innocence
Anyone accused in this report who has not been convicted is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sources
AB 2624 (California Legislature); Office of Assemblymember Mia Bonta; America First Legal; Bloomberg Law; KQED; Palo Alto Daily Post; Deseret News; The Daily Signal; The National Desk; FOX News; One America News; California State Assembly committee video; U.S. Senate hearing video. News footage is used under fair use for news reporting and commentary.
