California Assemblymember Carl DeMaio is warning that a proposed state bill could significantly reshape investigative reporting and public-interest documentation in California, arguing it would introduce legal risks for recording and publishing material tied to taxpayer-funded organizations.
DeMaio, a Republican in the California State Assembly, is leading opposition to AB 2624, a measure introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta.
The bill has also been described by critics as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” a reference to independent journalist Nick Shirley, who has reported on immigration-related organizations receiving public funding and fraud.
Critics contend it would place new limits on publishing videos, images, and identifying information involving employees and volunteers at government-funded organizations, particularly those connected to immigration-related services.
Supporters of the legislation say it is intended to protect workers from harassment, doxxing, and targeted online exposure.
Opponents argue the language is broad enough to affect journalism and citizen reporting involving publicly funded nonprofits receiving government support.
DeMaio has said AB 2624 raises First Amendment concerns, arguing it could discourage individuals from recording or publishing evidence of alleged misconduct in public settings.
He contends the measure could increase legal exposure for watchdog journalists documenting taxpayer-funded programs.
During a recent Assembly committee hearing, DeMaio questioned provisions he says would allow organizations to request removal of online content and pursue penalties against those who refuse.
He argued those mechanisms could be used to challenge reporting on nonprofit groups and restrict outside review of how public funds are spent.
Shirley also spoke out against the proposal on X.
“California is trying to pass a bill that could criminalize investigative journalism with misdemeanors, $10,000 fines, imprisonment, and content takedown,” he wrote. “The proposed bill is titled AB 2624 and was made after I exposed mass fraud by immigrant groups in America.”
“Under AB 2624, government-funded entities like the Somali ‘Learing’ Daycare centers would be protected from being exposed if they operated inside California.”
He further warned, “The enemy truly is within. When our politicians would rather protect fraudsters and illegal migrants, it’s time for us to stand up or face mass oppression from the traitors who ‘rule’ over us.”
Supporters of AB 2624 maintain the bill is necessary to address what they describe as rising harassment targeting employees and volunteers working in immigration support services.
They say individuals in these roles have faced threats, online targeting, and exposure of personal information.
Under summaries of the proposal, designated organizations would be able to request restrictions on releasing identifying information about employees or volunteers when safety concerns are cited.
Critics argue these provisions could be applied broadly and used to challenge publication of publicly available material.
DeMaio has said he will continue opposing the bill as it moves through the legislature, calling it an overreach that could affect press freedom protections in California.
He argues lawmakers should focus on addressing alleged fraud in taxpayer-funded programs rather than limiting reporting on them.
As debate over AB 2624 continues, the measure has become a focal point in a broader dispute over privacy protections, public accountability, and the boundaries of citizen journalism in covering government-funded organizations.
