In California, free speech apparently comes with an asterisk – and maybe a fine. The New York Post reports that Democratic lawmakers are pushing AB 2624, a bill that critics say would let taxpayer- funded groups demand the removal of videos filmed in public and slap penalties on the people who publish them.

It’s packaged as “protection” from doxxing and harassment but what it really is: protection of future Democratic voters. And protecting their supporters and non-profits who are doing their political bidding. The irony: the Democrats are the REAL ones who are doxxing and harassing people.

You tried to paint me as a pervert for exposing fraud, and as a result radical leftists started trying to dox me and send death threats, wanting to kill me.

Now you are taking credit for “leading the charge” on the fraud. Are you serious?

You are the fraud. https://t.co/6pkaJcNi6Y

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) April 10, 2026

The bill creates a loosely defined shield for any organization that can claim to serve immigrants – including those funded with taxpayer dollars. Under AB 2624, those groups could use legal protections to demand the removal of recorded footage, with financial penalties hanging over anyone who filmed or published it.

Under AB 2624, a person must meet certain legal thresholds to actually force removal of content – such as being a covered immigration services worker, issuing a written demand, and asserting a reasonable fear for safety tied to harassment or threats. However, the bar to make those claims is relatively low, meaning individuals can allege fear or harassment whether or not it’s proven to be true.

These Democratic lawmakers are folks who have not read (or just disagree with) the Constitution and the phrase: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Maybe they think that “Congress” doesn’t apply to local state lawmakers.

The bill arrives as independent journalist Nick Shirley continues to expose “alleged” fraud in publicly funded programs. He did so in Minnesota and now he has his sights set on California. The critics of the bill call it the “Stop Nick Shirley Act.”

California is trying to pass a bill that would criminalize investigative journalism with misdemeanors, $10,000 fines, imprisonment, and content takedown.

The proposed bill is titled AB 2624 and was made after I exposed mass fraud by immigrant groups in America.

Under AB 2624,… pic.twitter.com/4p0SjO7hOZ

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) April 13, 2026

Instead of rebutting fraud claims, California’s playbook looks familiar – question the motive, smear the messenger, and now, potentially outlaw anyone who wants to expose Democratic fraud and corruption. If publishing uncomfortable truths can be labeled “harassment,” accountability dies and so do our Constitutional protections. And that’s just how the Democrats like things.