Overview
- AB 2624 cleared an Assembly public safety committee and continues through the Legislature after sponsors narrowed language that previously referenced social media.
- The measure would add immigration support service providers, employees, and volunteers to the state’s Safe at Home address-confidentiality program run by the Secretary of State.
- The bill also bars knowingly posting a designated provider’s personal information or image online when done with intent to cause imminent great bodily harm or reasonable fear.
- Republican lawmakers, led by Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, argue the plan threatens citizen journalism and fraud probes and have branded it the “Stop Nick Shirley Act.”
- Supporters cite harassment and threats against immigrant‑service staff, pointing to incidents at advocates’ homes and to death threats reported by the bill’s author, while critics invoke influencer Nick Shirley’s investigations to press transparency concerns.