Others are calling it the “Stop Nick Shirley” Act, because it was probably created due to Nick Shirley’s journalistic exposés. But since its implications go far beyond one journalist, I’m calling it the “Protect Immigration Fraud” act.
From Cristina Laila’s article for thegatewaypundit.com:
California Democrats on Wednesday passed AB 2624, dubbed the ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ by Republicans. The bill, introduced by Democrat Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, restricts the release of investigative videos exposing immigration support service providers.
Mia Bonta is married to California’s radical far-left Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The California Democrats got to work on AB 2624 earlier this year after investigative journalist Nick Shirley exposed rampant hospice and daycare fraud.
The bill will fine journalists (and regular citizens) a minimum of $4,000 for exposing potential fraud inside certain immigration support service providers.
The bill passed the California Senate on Tuesday and was sent back to the Assembly for final passage on Wednesday.
Governor Newsom is expected to sign the bill.
Isn’t that special? A bill that punishes journalists for reporting the aiding and abetting immigration fraud.
Here’s what Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio has to say about this:
“California Democrats are trying to intimidate citizen watchdog journalists and protect waste and fraud happening in far-left wing NGOs. AB 2624 can only be described as the ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ — a bill designed to silence citizen journalists exposing fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
“Instead of fixing the fraud problems being uncovered, Sacramento politicians are trying to shut down the people exposing them.
“AB 2624 would allow activists and taxpayer-funded organizations to demand the removal of video evidence, even if it captures misconduct in plain view, and threatens journalists with massive financial penalties.”
Way to go, California. Another great triumph in Democrats’ seemingly ongoing efforts to take a once-great state and destroy it.
And as long as the voters keep re-electing these people to positions of power, that is what they will keep getting. I hope they’re happy with what they are doing.
