California Privacy Law Sparks First Amendment Fight Over Investigative Reporting

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a privacy-for-immigration-support services providers bill—dubbed the Stop Nick Shirley Act by Republicans—that would shield provider information and penalize posting their images, a move critics warn could chill investigative journalism. Assemblyman Carl DeMaio and a coalition are preparing a lawsuit with possible DOJ civil-rights involvement, arguing the law infringes First Amendment rights as California pursues a broader fraud crackdown. The measure takes effect October 1, 2026.