Journalist Nick Shirley Criticizes California’s Proposed Legislation

Independent journalist Nick Shirley criticized California lawmakers for potentially reducing transparency involving taxpayer-funded organizations. This concern arises after the state Assembly moved forward with AB 2624, labeled as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act.” According to Shirley, the bill aims to protect immigration service organizations from harassment and threats.

During a segment on “Fox News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher, Shirley expressed his concerns:

I obviously hit a nerve. It’s interesting how this bill protects NGOs and nonprofits. They receive our tax money, yet they want to restrict insight into their use of our funds.

Shirley contends the proposal might deter investigations of organizations using public funds, notably nonprofits and those offering immigration-related services. Assemblymember Mia Bonta authored the bill, stating immigrant service providers have been targets of harassment and threats. Shirley countered, arguing the legislation might legally endanger journalists and investigators scrutinizing publicly funded organizations.

His past investigations uncovered alleged fraud in Minnesota and California:

• Somalis in Minnesota purportedly siphoned off hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
• Exposed hospice fraud in California, a case Shirley claims Bonta’s husband attempted to publicly claim credit for.

Shirley’s criticism of the legislation sparked online debates with input from various conservative figures, including Rep. Tim Burchett and actor Dean Cain. Shirley remarked that such measures put journalists at risk of legal repercussions for fraud investigations within immigration services, nonprofits, and healthcare facilities. He asserted that prosecutors could face civil risks including attorney fees and statutory damages.

Republican congressional candidate Lily Tang Williams expressed her concern:

Taxpayers should be outraged by this in CA. If CA signs this bill to protect fraudsters, the Federal government must retaliate.

AB 2624, also known as the “Privacy for Immigration Support Services Providers,” passed the Assembly and will now be considered by the California Senate. The bill proposes protections for immigration service providers with documented threats. Fox News Digital sought comments from Assemblymember Mia Bonta but has not received a response yet.