California doesn’t want to stop fraud — just those reporting on it.
As California AG Rob Bonta touts the dismantling of a $267 million hospice fraud scheme, a new political battle is brewing over who gets to expose wrongdoing — and who could face punishment for trying.
Critics say a proposed California bill could chill grassroots investigations just as authorities highlight major enforcement wins.
“They’re trying to make it so citizen journalists or just average Americans who are going about seeing what’s happening inside their community — they’re trying to scare them from talking about potential fraud taking place inside of these communities,” independent journalist Nick Shirley said Tuesday.
At the center of the fight is AB 2624, introduced by Mia Bonta, a Democrat and the attorney general’s wife.
The bill, dubbed by critics as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” is formally titled the “Privacy for Immigration Support Services Providers” measure. It would expand existing protections by allowing certain workers to keep their home addresses confidential and by increasing penalties for doxing.
Under the proposal, individuals who publish personal information with the intent to threaten or incite violence could face fines of up to $10,000 and possible jail time. Victims could also seek civil damages starting at $4,000.
Supporters argue the bill is a necessary step to protect vulnerable service providers from harassment and threats — particularly those working in immigration-related fields that have become flashpoints in recent years.
But critics say the language is too broad and risks sweeping up legitimate watchdog activity.
“They’re literally willing to impose a $10,000 fine or imprisonment if you go and seek to find out the truth about a location that could potentially be fraudulent inside your own neighborhood,” Shirley said.
The clash comes as scrutiny intensifies over fraud in California’s healthcare system, including hospice programs that rely heavily on taxpayer-funded Medicare dollars.
The $267 million scheme highlighted by Bonta’s office underscores the scale of abuse authorities say they are trying to root out — and raises the stakes in the debate over who gets to investigate it.
Shirley questioned whether the bill’s true aim is protection or insulation.
“They’re trying to protect these people who are committing this fraud. They’re stealing millions upon millions of dollars, and it just makes you wonder who their donors are,” he said.
🚨 NICK SHIRLEY JUST CALLED IT OUT!
Gavin Newsom's California is moving to pass the 'STOP Nick Shirley Act' that would criminalize exposing FRAUD
"They're literally willing to impose a $10,000 FINE or imprisonment if you go and seek to find out the truth about a location that… pic.twitter.com/Cu2Pm2WjWF
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 14, 2026
For now, the legislation sets up a familiar California collision: privacy and safety on one side, transparency and accountability on the other.
How lawmakers draw that line could determine not just who is protected — but who is allowed to ask questions.
More over at The New York Post:
Youtuber Nick Shirley slams California bill, claims it would stop videos exposing fraud https://t.co/u6otucgNdw pic.twitter.com/0D7NX6UIlj
— New York Post (@nypost) April 13, 2026
