California Advances Bill Protecting Immigrant Service Providers

California's state legislature advanced a controversial bill on April 13, 2026, aimed at protecting immigrant service providers from online harassment, prompting accusations from critics that it would stifle investigative journalism. The measure, Assembly Bill 2624, authored by Democratic Assemblymember Mia Bonta, passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee by an 11-2 vote and now awaits further review.

The legislation would expand the state's existing Safe at Home program, which provides address confidentiality for vulnerable groups such as domestic violence victims and reproductive health workers, to include providers of immigration support services. These services encompass legal aid, health care, and case management for immigrants. Under the bill, participants could receive a substitute address managed by the secretary of state to shield their real locations from public records. It would prohibit individuals or businesses from posting images, personal information, or home addresses of these providers, employees, volunteers, or their family members online if the action is intended to threaten safety or incite violence.

Violators could face civil penalties of up to $4,000 per...