Nick Shirley Challenges California Assembly Bill 2624
The federal lawsuit alleges the new law violates First and 14th Amendment protections.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law
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Nick Shirley has filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California challenging the constitutionality of Assembly Bill 2624. The complaint alleges that the state legislation violates the First Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Why it matters
The lawsuit claims the legislation is designed to silence independent journalists who investigate the misuse of public funds in California. Conversely, supporters argue the bill is necessary to ensure the safety of employees and volunteers working at immigration service groups.
Assembly Bill 2624 was introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on August 23, 2026. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2027.
The players
Nick Shirley
He is the plaintiff who filed a federal lawsuit against California officials challenging the new assembly bill.
Rob Bonta
He serves as the California Attorney General and is named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit.
Shirley Weber
She serves as the California Secretary of State and is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Mia Bonta
She is an Assemblymember who introduced Assembly Bill 2624.
Gavin Newsom
He is the Governor of California who signed Assembly Bill 2624 into law on August 23, 2026.
The details
America First Legal and JW Howard Attorneys filed the suit on behalf of Shirley, naming Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber as defendants. While separate from the new law, California officials have recently been active in other legal actions, including charges against 103 home service providers for Medi-Cal fraud and the investigation of $267 million in alleged hospice fraud.
Timeline
In April 2026, Rob Bonta discussed $267 million in alleged hospice fraud.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624 on August 23, 2026.
Nick Shirley spoke at an event in Mississippi on October 27, 2026.
Assembly Bill 2624 takes effect on October 1, 2027.
Political Context
Opponents of the lawsuit argue that Assembly Bill 2624 is a necessary measure to protect vulnerable staff at immigration service organizations. They contend that the legal challenge attempts to undermine state efforts to ensure workplace safety for employees and volunteers.
The lawsuit creates uncertainty regarding the implementation of new state regulations scheduled for 2027. If the court grants an injunction, the practical application of Assembly Bill 2624 for California residents and public agencies may be delayed indefinitely.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tension between state-level regulatory efforts and constitutional protections in California. Residents should monitor court proceedings to determine if the law will proceed as scheduled or face significant judicial modification.
Further reading
For additional context on current state mandates, visit the Law section.
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