California’s Controversial “Stop Nick Shirley Act” Sparks Debate
A new proposal known as California Assembly Bill 2624, informally referred to as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” has ignited significant controversy. Critics argue it might restrict citizen journalists from recording in public spaces, as highlighted in a state press release.
This bill, which has already passed through the Assembly Public Safety Committee, was inspired by a 40-minute video created by Nick Shirley, a 24-year-old independent journalist. In it, he discusses alleged hospice fraud occurring in California.
The video, which went viral with over 42 million views on Platform X, has since stirred public discussion and prompted scrutiny of California’s federally funded Medicare program. Investigations later revealed that one particular program might be responsible for around $6 billion in fraudulent claims each year.
“This is the full 40 minutes my crew and I exposed the California scam. We uncovered over $170 million in fraud as these scammers live in luxury with impunity,” Shirley tweeted. “We must like and share to stop these scams.”
Before the committee’s decision, Shirley voiced his concern that if the bill passes, it would essentially “criminalize investigative reporting.”
“The enemy really is within,” he stated. “When our politicians would rather protect fraudsters and illegal immigrants, it’s time for us to stand up.”
If enacted, the bill would empower service providers to sue individuals who breach its provisions, with claims starting at a minimum of $4,000 in damages. Further penalties could apply, including fines up to $10,000 and possible imprisonment for violators. In cases where sharing information leads to physical harm, fines could reach as high as $50,000, along with felony charges.
California State Representative Carl DeMaio (R-Calif.) criticized the bill, warning it could pose a serious threat to free speech. Dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” he cautioned it might suppress the release of investigative videos and penalize those who expose fraud.
“California Democrats are trying to intimidate Citizen Watch journalists,” DeMaio contended. “Rather than addressing the identified fraud, Sacramento politicians are attempting to silence those who bring it to light.”
On the other side, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Calif.), who authored the bill, argues it aims to enhance privacy protections for immigration service providers. She insists that the measure “does not stop journalism or investigations into wrongdoing,” but rather seeks to shield workers serving immigrants from threats of violence.
Bonta countered DeMaio’s claims during an April hearing, suggesting that evidence of threats must be shown and that journalists asking questions do not count as threats.
“Individuals providing immigration support services face targeted harassment. This is not hypothetical,” Bonta remarked. “AB 2624 would allow participants to keep their addresses out of public records, offering them an essential layer of privacy in a climate of increasing personal safety risks.”
DeMaio’s press statement warned that the bill could empower activists to demand the removal of evidence, even videos depicting illegal activities, and impose fines on journalists.
“If this bill passes, the message will be clear to every journalist in California: Exposing corruption will be punished,” DeMaio’s statement asserted. “AB 2624 constitutes an unconstitutional attack on transparency and the First Amendment, and it cannot be allowed to pass.”
The bill is set for its next committee hearing, following a recent vote by Democrats to advance it. The California Legislature has until the end of August to finalize it and send it to the governor.
