Gavin Newsom signs controversial ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ into law

Key Points:

• Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624, known as the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," expanding California’s Safe at Home program to include employees of nonprofits assisting immigrants, effective October 1, 2027.
• The Safe at Home program currently protects vulnerable individuals by providing substitute mailing addresses to prevent targeted attacks, and this bill responds to increased threats against immigration service providers.
• Critics, including Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio and journalist Nick Shirley, argue the law intimidates those exposing alleged fraud in immigrant communities, labeling it a tool to shield bad behavior.
• The controversy escalated when Terry Schanz, chief of staff to Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, interrupted Shirley’s Capitol interview with a crude personal attack, leading to multiple complaints and potential disciplinary action.
• Supporters, including Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, maintain the law combats harassment and doxxing without impeding legitimate journalism, despite criticism reaching the U.S. Senate.