Calif. proposes a bill to criminalize undercover journalism

California Democrat Assembly-member Mia Bonta authored bill AB 2624 which has advanced out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a reported 11-2 vote as of April 13th. It has yet to become law, but if it does, the Golden State will become even more Orwellian than it already is.

Let me 'splain.

Assembly-member Carl DeMaio and independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley along with other critics, have dubbed the bill the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," asserting that it would put the kibosh on investigative journalism by allowing taxpayer-funded organizations [particularly those serving immigrant communities] to demand the removal of videos that record in or even around their facilities, while imposing civil penalties, (such as fines up to $10,000 in some descriptions). 

Nick Shirley has used public filming to expose alleged fraud in daycares, hospices, and government-funded programs, and opponents say the bill is a direct response to shield such entities from scrutiny.

So the 'Learing Centers' will remain in business by not providing services to children who don't go there, for example.

Supporters frame the bill as protecting privacy, particularly of those committing fraud, preventing doxxing/harassment, which is exceedingly a tactic on the left, and safeguarding vulnerable organizations or clients (e.g., in immigration support services and other 'Learing Centers') rather than broadly banning journalism. 

The bill targets the release or use of recordings in specific contexts involving fraudulent government-funded entities, not all undercover work. 

This is not the first time California has seen proposals affecting undercover or hidden-camera investigations. Past efforts included "ag-gag" [agriculture gag] style bills aimed at farms (to restrict secret filming of animal cruelty), some of which failed or were challenged on free speech grounds. An older bill (AB 1671 from 2016) sought to punish media for publishing certain undercover videos of health care providers but did not broadly pass in the criticized form.

Similar "ag-gag" laws in other states have faced court challenges for restricting First Amendment-protected news-gathering. As of April 15, 2026, AB 2624 remains in the legislative process (likely needing further votes in the Assembly and Senate, plus the governor's signature to become law). Some internet platforms make claims that it has already "passed" but it is only at the committee stage.

The bill's final scope, constitutionality (especially regarding public recordings or news gathering), and enforcement would depend on its exact text if enacted.

For the latest status, check the official California Legislative Information site (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) for AB 2624. Free speech concerns around restrictions on filming in public or semi-public spaces tied to government funding have drawn significant criticism from journalists and transparency advocates across the spectrum.

Journalism is not dead--it's on life support.

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