California Bill Enacts New Address Privacy Protections for Immigrant Aid Workers
Sacramento, Sunday, 23 August 2026.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation expanding address confidentiality to immigrant service providers facing doxxing and harassment, amidst intense political debate over fraud investigations and press freedoms.
Governor Newsom Enacts AB 2624 Amidst Political Debate
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2624 into law, a legislative move expanding address confidentiality protections for immigrant service workers facing harassment and doxxing [1][2]. The signing occurred in mid-to-late August 2026, with reports varying between August 15 and August 22 depending on the publication [1][3][4][5]. The legislation modifies the state’s existing ‘Safe at Home’ program, originally established in 1998, to include employees and volunteers of nonprofits serving individuals navigating the immigration system [1][4]. Proponents argue the policy is necessary to protect workers from threats linked to anti-immigrant rhetoric, while opponents contend it may suppress investigative journalism regarding fraud [2][3].
Legislative Provisions and Safety Measures
AB 2624 allows eligible applicants to substitute their home, work, or school addresses with a confidential mailing address in public records [4]. To qualify, applicants must provide documentation proving they or their organization have experienced threats, harassment, or violence within the 12 months prior to application [4]. The law specifically targets bad-faith actors who publish personal information with the intent to incite imminent great bodily harm [4]. Assemblymember Mia Bonta, who authored the bill, stated that the measure ensures freedom from fear for service providers without conflating their safety with press freedoms [2][4].
Political Opposition and the ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’
Republican lawmakers have strongly criticized the legislation, with Assembly Member Carl DeMaio labeling it the ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ [1][3]. This moniker references independent journalist Nick Shirley, whose content often focuses on alleged fraud within immigrant communities [3][5]. Critics argue the law could intimidate individuals attempting to expose bad behavior or fraud, with U.S. Senator Ashley Moody referring to it as the ‘Protect Fraudsters Act’ during Senate discussions [1][3]. Governor Newsom had previously commented in February 2026 that Somali daycare providers were ‘under siege’ following Shirley’s reporting, highlighting the tension between safety concerns and investigative activities [3][5].
Recent Incidents and Implementation Timeline
Tensions surrounding the bill were exacerbated on August 19, 2026, when Terry Schanz, chief of staff to Democratic Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, interrupted an interview conducted by Nick Shirley outside the California State Capitol [3][5]. Schanz, who receives an annual taxpayer-funded compensation of 207828 totaling $207,828, was recorded making personal remarks about the journalist [3][5]. Multiple complaints regarding this conduct were filed with the California Legislature’s HR department following the incident [3][5]. The new protections under AB 2624 are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2027, allowing time for the state address confidentiality program to launch [3][4][5].