Journalist confrontation fuels debate over doxxing law's scope
Press freedom advocates raise concerns as doxxing law expansion becomes flashpoint in journalist-lawmaker confrontation.
Event / Politics
California Safe at Home Program Expansion
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624 on August 22, 2026, expanding the Safe at Home program to include nonprofit employees and volunteers serving the immigration system. The law provides substitute addresses to protect their home addresses from public records and establishes penalties for doxxing. The measure sparked debate over balancing worker safety with press freedom.
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2026-08-24 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Aug, 01:05 UTC
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What happened
California Governor Newsom signs AB 2624 into law
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624 into law on August 22, 2026. The bill expands the state's Safe at Home program to include employees and volunteers of nonprofits that assist people in the immigration system. The law is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2027.
Schanz's office allegedly pressured CalMatters to alter footage
In January 2026, Schanz's office faced scrutiny over allegations that it pressured nonprofit newsroom CalMatters to alter footage involving Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor after a reporter asked her a tough question about an expensive designer handbag.
Terry Schanz confronts journalist Nick Shirley outside California Capitol
On August 21, 2026, Terry Schanz, chief of staff to Democratic Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor and earning $207,828 annually in taxpayer compensation, interrupted an interview by independent journalist Nick Shirley outside the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Schanz held up a printed flyer and made a vulgar personal attack directed at Shirley. Multiple complaints were filed with the California Legislature's HR department following the incident.
AB 2624 establishes penalties for doxxing immigration workers
Under AB 2624, anyone who posts a covered worker's image or personal details with intent to incite violence faces damages starting at $4,000, plus court costs. Posting with intent that someone commit a violent crime brings a fine up to $10,000 and up to one year in jail. If the post results in injury, it becomes a felony punishable by up to $50,000. The law includes a carve-out exemption for journalists shielded under state evidence law.
Terry Schanz named in 2025 wrongful-termination lawsuit
Terry Schanz's name surfaced in a 2025 wrongful-termination lawsuit containing allegations of political bullying and a toxic workplace culture within top Assembly leadership.
Republicans label AB 2624 the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act'
Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio coined the nickname 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' for AB 2624. Republicans argued the bill could be used to pressure or silence people trying to expose questionable behavior. Senator Ashley Moody of Florida referred to it as the 'Protect Fraudsters Act.' Republican critics claimed the law was created in response to Shirley's investigations exposing fraud.
Nick Shirley produces investigative videos about immigrant communities
Independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley produced videos investigating immigrant workers and documenting alleged fraud in immigrant communities across California and Minnesota. Following viral success of his Minnesota-focused videos, Shirley's work prompted controversy and political response.
Assemblywoman Mia Bonta introduces AB 2624 citing threats to immigration providers
Democratic Assemblywoman Mia Bonta of Alameda introduced AB 2624 in February 2026, citing reports of rising threats and harassment aimed at immigration service providers. She stated that immigrant service providers were living in fear because of extremists seeking to demonize their work and the populations they serve.
AB 2624 expands Safe at Home program to immigration workers
AB 2624 expands California's Safe at Home program, which previously covered domestic violence survivors, elder abuse victims, and reproductive and gender-affirming care workers. The expansion adds immigration nonprofit staff and volunteers, providing them with state-issued substitute addresses to keep their home addresses off public records.
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2 alternative perspectives
California expands Safe at Home protections to immigration workers
California expands Safe at Home program to immigration workers with anti-doxxing protections.