The Democrat's answer to fraud: Make discovering it illegal!

[T. A. Gardner]

Yep, that's what Democrats in California want to do, leading the charge against investigative journalists like Nick Shirley. Pass laws that make what he does illegal...

California addresses fraud with the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act'

California lawmakers are advancing the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," following increased scrutiny about rampant fraud in the state

www.deseret.com

Newsom-Backed Bill Sparks Alarm Over Potential Crackdown on Fraud Investigations

Critics warn California proposal could criminalize investigative reporting Elon Musk and watchdogs raise free speech concerns as debate intensifies.

bigleaguepolitics.substack.com

California tries to criminalize journalism — to protect fraud

A bill moving through the California Legislature would give taxpayer-funded organizations the power to demand the removal of videos recorded in public spaces.

nypost.com

California Democrats Advance "Stop Nick Shirley Act" to Shield Immigrant Fraudsters from Public Scrutiny

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In a brazen 11-2 vote on April 13, 2026, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced AB 2624, a bill that critics are rightly calling the "Stop Nick Shirley Act." Authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, this legislation masquerades as "privacy protections" for...

www.smobserved.com

That's the ticket for Democrats! Make free speech illegal, jail the reporters, and ignore the fraud because for them fraud of the sort being uncovered is good and results in lots and lots of campaign donations. Can't have that money pipeline cut off by responsible use of tax dollars and rooting out fraud!

 

[AProudLefty]

Doesn't it stop the harassment, threats of violence and doxxing?

 

[T. A. Gardner]

Doesn't it stop the harassment, threats of violence and doxxing?

Those are something individual criminal Leftists are doing. This is something yet another stupid Black woman in politics is leading. That is, the government of California wants to criminalize the detection of fraud by private citizens exercising their First Amendment Rights.

 

[AProudLefty]

Those are something individual criminal Leftists are doing. This is something yet another stupid Black woman in politics is leading. That is, the government of California wants to criminalize the detection of fraud by private citizens exercising their First Amendment Rights.

I don't see that anywhere. Only that it protects the privacy.

 

[T. A. Gardner]

I don't see that anywhere. Only that it protects the privacy.

This bill would criminalize investigative reporting of the sort Nick Shirley is doing. The government would arrest and jail him for going out and discovering / uncovering fraud against the government.

 

[LurchAddams]

Yep, that's what Democrats in California want to do, leading the charge against investigative journalists like Nick Shirley. Pass laws that make what he does illegal...

California addresses fraud with the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act'

California lawmakers are advancing the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," following increased scrutiny about rampant fraud in the state

www.deseret.com

Newsom-Backed Bill Sparks Alarm Over Potential Crackdown on Fraud Investigations

Critics warn California proposal could criminalize investigative reporting Elon Musk and watchdogs raise free speech concerns as debate intensifies.

bigleaguepolitics.substack.com

California tries to criminalize journalism — to protect fraud

A bill moving through the California Legislature would give taxpayer-funded organizations the power to demand the removal of videos recorded in public spaces.

nypost.com

California Democrats Advance "Stop Nick Shirley Act" to Shield Immigrant Fraudsters from Public Scrutiny

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In a brazen 11-2 vote on April 13, 2026, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced AB 2624, a bill that critics are rightly calling the "Stop Nick Shirley Act." Authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, this legislation masquerades as "privacy protections" for...

www.smobserved.com

That's the ticket for Democrats! Make free speech illegal, jail the reporters, and ignore the fraud because for them fraud of the sort being uncovered is good and results in lots and lots of campaign donations. Can't have that money pipeline cut off by responsible use of tax dollars and rooting out fraud!

Republicans don't give a shit about fraud. If you did you'd not be shilling for the most corrupt administraiton ever.

 

[AProudLefty]

California Assembly Bill 2624 (AB 2624), dubbed the "Stop Nick Shirley Act" by critics, is a proposed law designed to protect immigration support service providers from harassment by allowing them to remove personal information and videos from social media, with penalties for non-compliance. Critics, including Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, argue it aims to stifle investigative journalism, particularly that of YouTuber Nick Shirley, who uses on-the-ground footage to expose alleged government-funded fraud.
Assemblymember DeMaio +3
Key Aspects of the Controversy

• Targeted Legislation: The bill is nicknamed after YouTuber Nick Shirley, who famously exposed alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota and hospice fraud in California.
• Intent and Impact: While sponsors argue the bill protects vulnerable organizations from "threats of violence," opponents contend it restricts public oversight and protects organizations that may be committing fraud.
• Provisions: The bill AB 2624, introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, aims to shield public home and work addresses of immigration support staff from public records, prohibiting the sharing of this information to "harass" or "intimidate".
• Opponent Viewpoint: Critics, including Republican lawmakers, argue the bill is an "unconstitutional threat to the 1st Amendment" that could lead to financial penalties for journalists reporting on matters of public interest.
• Status: The bill is currently moving through the California Assembly Judiciary Committee, having faced significant opposition regarding its impact on free speech.
  Assemblymember DeMaio +5

The debate highlights a conflict between protecting workers from potential doxing or harassment and the right to conduct independent investigative journalism on potential taxpayer-funded fraud.

 

[AProudLefty]

Looks to me investigating is ok as long as privacy is protected.

 

[Poor Richard Saunders]

This bill would criminalize investigative reporting of the sort Nick Shirley is doing. The government would arrest and jail him for going out and discovering / uncovering fraud against the government.

You sure do like to lie. Or are you just so deep in the cult you think your fantasies are reality.

Fact Check: Did California Dem try to pass 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' to criminalize journalism?

The claim that a bill called the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” aimed to criminalize investigative journalism is false

news.meaww.com

However, the claim that a bill called the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' aimed to criminalize investigative journalism is false. Notably, there is no officially introduced or formally named bill called the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act.'

A spokesperson for Bonta directed Snopes to a statement on her website dated April 14, 2026. In that statement, Bonta said her bill would “add immigrant service providers to the state’s Safe at Home program.”

She explained that the program already protects domestic violence survivors, reproductive care workers, and gender-affirming care providers. She also said that sharing the name and address of a front desk worker to intimidate them is not reporting or investigating fraud, but wrongdoing, and California should stand by that principle.
Here is what the "safe at home" act actually does.

Safe at Home :: California Secretary of State

Safe at Home is California's address confidentiality program administered by the California Secretary of State’s office.

www.sos.ca.gov

Safe at Home is a confidential address program administered by the California Secretary of State's Office and is most effective when used as a part of an overall safety plan. Safe at Home offers a substitute mailing address to receive first class, certified, and registered mail for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, and elder or dependent adult abuse, as well as reproductive health care workers and public entity employees who are in fear for their safety.

 

[T. A. Gardner]

Republicans don't give a shit about fraud. If you did you'd not be shilling for the most corrupt administraiton ever.

Okay...

That doesn't mean they're actively trying to keep it going. This California bill does exactly that. It would criminalize the public uncovering ongoing fraud against the government.

 

[Poor Richard Saunders]

Okay...

That doesn't mean they're actively trying to keep it going. This California bill does exactly that. It would criminalize the public uncovering ongoing fraud against the government.

OK.. Since you make the claim, it is incumbent upon you to support your claim. Cite where the proposed law does what you claim.
Where does it criminalize uncovering ongoing fraud?

Here is the legislation -

https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB2624/id/3371241

 

[T. A. Gardner]

OK.. Since you make the claim, it is incumbent upon you to support your claim. Cite where the proposed law does what you claim.
Where does it criminalize uncovering ongoing fraud?

Here is the legislation -

https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB2624/id/3371241

I already did that. You post is moot.

 

[T. A. Gardner]

You sure do like to lie. Or are you just so deep in the cult you think your fantasies are reality.

Fact Check: Did California Dem try to pass 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' to criminalize journalism?

The claim that a bill called the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” aimed to criminalize investigative journalism is false

news.meaww.com

However, the claim that a bill called the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' aimed to criminalize investigative journalism is false. Notably, there is no officially introduced or formally named bill called the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act.'

A spokesperson for Bonta directed Snopes to a statement on her website dated April 14, 2026. In that statement, Bonta said her bill would “add immigrant service providers to the state’s Safe at Home program.”

She explained that the program already protects domestic violence survivors, reproductive care workers, and gender-affirming care providers. She also said that sharing the name and address of a front desk worker to intimidate them is not reporting or investigating fraud, but wrongdoing, and California should stand by that principle.
Here is what the "safe at home" act actually does.

Safe at Home :: California Secretary of State

Safe at Home is California's address confidentiality program administered by the California Secretary of State’s office.

www.sos.ca.gov

Safe at Home is a confidential address program administered by the California Secretary of State's Office and is most effective when used as a part of an overall safety plan. Safe at Home offers a substitute mailing address to receive first class, certified, and registered mail for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, and elder or dependent adult abuse, as well as reproductive health care workers and public entity employees who are in fear for their safety.

Trivial objections fallacy.

 

[Poor Richard Saunders]

I already did that. You post is moot.

ROFLMAO. Your delusions have nothing to do with the actual text of the bill.

 

[AProudLefty]

Okay...

That doesn't mean they're actively trying to keep it going. This California bill does exactly that. It would criminalize the public uncovering ongoing fraud against the government.

No it won't.

 

[Nordberg]

Yep, that's what Democrats in California want to do, leading the charge against investigative journalists like Nick Shirley. Pass laws that make what he does illegal...

California addresses fraud with the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act'

California lawmakers are advancing the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," following increased scrutiny about rampant fraud in the state

www.deseret.com

Newsom-Backed Bill Sparks Alarm Over Potential Crackdown on Fraud Investigations

Critics warn California proposal could criminalize investigative reporting Elon Musk and watchdogs raise free speech concerns as debate intensifies.

bigleaguepolitics.substack.com

California tries to criminalize journalism — to protect fraud

A bill moving through the California Legislature would give taxpayer-funded organizations the power to demand the removal of videos recorded in public spaces.

nypost.com

California Democrats Advance "Stop Nick Shirley Act" to Shield Immigrant Fraudsters from Public Scrutiny

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In a brazen 11-2 vote on April 13, 2026, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced AB 2624, a bill that critics are rightly calling the "Stop Nick Shirley Act." Authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, this legislation masquerades as "privacy protections" for...

www.smobserved.com

That's the ticket for Democrats! Make free speech illegal, jail the reporters, and ignore the fraud because for them fraud of the sort being uncovered is good and results in lots and lots of campaign donations. Can't have that money pipeline cut off by responsible use of tax dollars and rooting out fraud!

You are such a shit poster. Trump has removed all the watchdogs, starting with the IGs.https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2025/09/fired-watchdogs-cant-be-reinstated-despite-trumps-obvious-law-breaking-court-decides/408387/ He has made his grand theft easy.

 

[Nordberg]

Yep, that's what Democrats in California want to do, leading the charge against investigative journalists like Nick Shirley. Pass laws that make what he does illegal...

California addresses fraud with the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act'

California lawmakers are advancing the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," following increased scrutiny about rampant fraud in the state

www.deseret.com

Newsom-Backed Bill Sparks Alarm Over Potential Crackdown on Fraud Investigations

Critics warn California proposal could criminalize investigative reporting Elon Musk and watchdogs raise free speech concerns as debate intensifies.

bigleaguepolitics.substack.com

California tries to criminalize journalism — to protect fraud

A bill moving through the California Legislature would give taxpayer-funded organizations the power to demand the removal of videos recorded in public spaces.

nypost.com

California Democrats Advance "Stop Nick Shirley Act" to Shield Immigrant Fraudsters from Public Scrutiny

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In a brazen 11-2 vote on April 13, 2026, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced AB 2624, a bill that critics are rightly calling the "Stop Nick Shirley Act." Authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, this legislation masquerades as "privacy protections" for...

www.smobserved.com

That's the ticket for Democrats! Make free speech illegal, jail the reporters, and ignore the fraud because for them fraud of the sort being uncovered is good and results in lots and lots of campaign donations. Can't have that money pipeline cut off by responsible use of tax dollars and rooting out fraud!

Citizen "journalists", not real ones.We know wht kind of dishonesty they are involved in.

 

[Poor Richard Saunders]

I already did that. You post is moot.

The text of the bill points out your lies.

This is the only criminal part of the legislation which you claim would make Nick Shirley's actions illegal. It seems you are claiming Nick Shirley didn't do journalism but instead intended the people he was "reporting" on should be violently attacked.

6218.20.​

(a) (1) A person shall not post on the internet or social media, with the intent that another person imminently use that information to commit a crime involving violence or a threat of violence against a designated immigration support services provider, employee, volunteer, or client, or other individuals residing at the same home address, the personal information or image of a designated health care services patient, provider, or assistant, or other individuals residing at the same home address.
(2) A violation of this subdivision is punishable by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation, imprisonment of either up to one year in a county jail or pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(3) A violation of this subdivision that leads to the bodily injury of a designated immigration support services provider, employee, volunteer, or client, or other individuals residing at the same home address, is a felony punishable by a fine of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.

 

[T. A. Gardner]

Citizen "journalists", not real ones.We know wht kind of dishonesty they are involved in.

There's no such thing as a "real" journalist. All any journalist is is someone who goes out, finds something of interest, then writes about it in an informative, factual, manner.

So, yes, Nick Shirley is a journalist. You don't need a degree in journalism to be a journalist any more than you need a degree in education to be a teacher. Unions might argue differently but only because they want to keep the supply scarce to raise wages for their members.

 

[T. A. Gardner]

The text of the bill points out your lies.

This is the only criminal part of the legislation which you claim would make Nick Shirley's actions illegal. It seems you are claiming Nick Shirley didn't do journalism but instead intended the people he was "reporting" on should be violently attacked.

6218.20.​

(a) (1) A person shall not post on the internet or social media, with the intent that another person imminently use that information to commit a crime involving violence or a threat of violence against a designated immigration support services provider, employee, volunteer, or client, or other individuals residing at the same home address, the personal information or image of a designated health care services patient, provider, or assistant, or other individuals residing at the same home address.
(2) A violation of this subdivision is punishable by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation, imprisonment of either up to one year in a county jail or pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(3) A violation of this subdivision that leads to the bodily injury of a designated immigration support services provider, employee, volunteer, or client, or other individuals residing at the same home address, is a felony punishable by a fine of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.

Exactly who or what is an "Immigration services provider? Since this section includes, any "volunteer, client, or other individuals residing at the same address, all someone at an address need be is an "immigrant." I would suppose by California standards the legality of that "immigrant" makes no difference.

That means if someone reports that legal or illegal immigrants at some address on the internet / social media about potentially anything, those legal or illegal immigrants can go to the state and claim they are threatened, true or not. The state would then be required to criminally investigate the person posting that material with the threat of massive fines and jail time.

If that isn't a chilling effect on investigating and reporting factual, actual, likely, fraud as Shirley is doing, I don't know what is. It in effect crushes speech by threat of retaliation by the state on the flimsiest of claims.