Nick Shirley, California Republicans to challenge censorship law

Youtuber Nick Shirley and California Republicans are threatening legal action after Gov.Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law that critics claim would block people from investigating fraud, potentially violating free speech rights.

At least a hundred people attended a rally Wednesday at the west steps of the state capitol in Sacramento to decry the Republican-nicknamed “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” which takes effect Oct.1, 2027.“They’re quite literally openly violating our First Amendment, and they see no problem with it,” Shirley told supporters.

“It’s a complete violation of the First Amendment contract.”Assembly Bill 2624 will outlaw sharing the photo or personal data of an immigrant services provider on the internet for harassment or violent purposes.Under the law, an immigrant services provider could bring a claim in court seeking up to at least $4,000 in damages from those who violate the law.

Brad Dacus, an attorney at the Pacific Justice Institute, said that he and others will sue if the state tries to use the law against Shirley or anyone investigating fraud.“We pledge to defend every single one of you, and everyone like Nick, who is challenged in court from zealous prosecutors trying to shut you down,” Dacus said.“They will not get away with it.

We will stand behind him without charge.”Democratic Assemblywoman Mia Bonta introduced the bill in February after reports of increased threats and harassment against immigration service providers.“Our immigrant service providers are living in fear because of extremists looking to demonize the work that they do and the populations they serve,” Bonta said recently.“That is an intolerable consequence of the anti-immigrant rhetoric that exists right now.”But critics have blasted the measure as a way to intimidate people trying to shine light on bad behavior, and questioned whether it was inspired by Shirley — who has confronted service providers about alleged fraud on video.

Assemblymember C...