California recently enacted a law that critics claim provides undue protection for immigration nonprofit workers while hindering reporters who cover them.
On August 22, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2624, which adds immigration support workers to a state initiative designed to protect the addresses of individuals at risk, as noted in a statement from the governor’s office. Interestingly, the office did not issue a defense of the legislation, which has been referred to as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” by Republicans.
This development came shortly after a tense encounter outside the state Capitol, where a staff member of Democratic Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor interrupted independent journalist Nick Shirley during an interview. The chief of staff, Terry Schanz, reportedly made an inappropriate remark about Shirley, leading to several formal complaints being filed against him to the Legislature’s HR department, as reported by KCRA political director Ashley Zavala.
The newly passed law includes immigration nonprofit staff and volunteers in California’s Safe at Home program, which provides state-issued substitute addresses to safeguard their home addresses from being publicly accessible. This program has previously protected domestic violence survivors, victims of elder abuse, and those involved in reproductive and gender-affirming care, according to the Post.
Under this law, individuals who share images or personal information of covered workers with the aim of inciting violence face a minimum damage fee of $4,000, plus court expenses. If someone posts with intent for another to commit a violent act, fines can reach $10,000 and may result in up to a year of imprisonment. Should any post lead to physical injury, the offense is classified as a felony carrying a potential penalty of up to $50,000.
Democratic Assemblywoman Mia Bonta of Alameda introduced the bill in February, voicing concerns for the safety of immigrant service providers who are reportedly living in fear due to extremist backlash against their work. Meanwhile, the bill includes safeguards for journalists under state evidence law. However, Republican Senator Ashley Moody from Florida has derisively labeled the legislation the “Protect Fraudsters Act,” in light of Shirley’s claims that it is a response to his investigations into fraudulent activities within immigrant communities in California and Minnesota.
