On Monday, conservative influencer and YouTuber Nick Shirley voiced strong opposition to a proposed California bill, claiming it could potentially “criminalize investigative journalism.” He emphasized that the bill could hinder his well-known efforts to uncover fraud within the state.
“The real threat lies within,” Shirley declared. “When our elected officials prioritize shielding fraudsters and illegal immigrants, it’s crucial for us to take a stand or risk widespread oppression from those who ‘govern’ us,” he expressed.
This legislation, which a Republican lawmaker has nicknamed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” intends to enhance privacy protections for those offering immigrant services. Drafted by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D), the bill would make it illegal to post photos or personal information of service providers online for purposes of harassment or violence.
The concept is similar to existing protections for survivors of domestic violence.
“Those involved in offering immigrant support services, such as legal assistance, humanitarian aid, case management, and advocacy, are becoming targets of harassment. This is not a theoretical issue,” Bonta stated during a hearing on April 7.
She further noted that these protections are particularly important given the heightened risks of doxing and death threats during the Trump administration.
Such protections against incidents of doxing and death threats are especially needed under the Trump administration, she added.
“These threats have risen sharply in 2025 and are expected to continue due to the current political climate,” Bonta said.
Under the bill, a provider could bring a claim in court seeking up to at least $4,000 in damages from those who violated the proposed law.
There would also be criminal penalties. Violators would face up to a $10,000 fine or up to one year in county jail. If sharing the information results in bodily harm, the penalties would escalate to up to a $50,000 fine and felony imprisonment.
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R) suggested that such immigrant services providers could include daycare centers like the ones Shirley investigated in Minnesota for fraud, which primarily serve Somali immigrants.
That would put a damper on investigative journalism, DeMaio claimed.
“California Democrats are trying to intimidate citizen watchdog journalists and protect waste and fraud happening in far-Left-wing NGOs,” he said. “Instead of fixing the fraud problems being uncovered, Sacramento politicians are trying to shut down the people exposing them.”
Bonta pushed back on that characterization at the hearing and insisted that providers would have to first show evidence that they were being threatened. A journalist asking questions wouldn’t count, she added.
The bill is now awaiting its next committee hearing after Democrats voted to advance the bill. California lawmakers have until end of August to send it to the governor.
