California Governor Newsom Faces Lawsuit Threat Over New Privacy Law Amid Fraud Allegations

<p>California Assemblyman Carl DeMaio has raised concerns about a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, which he claims will hinder investigations into fraud. The law, officially titled "Privacy for immigration support services providers," establishes privacy protections for immigration support service providers, including shielding their addresses and imposing penalties for publishing their images on social media.</p><p>DeMaio stated that the legislation criminalizes investigative journalism and aims to protect taxpayer-funded organizations from scrutiny. He expressed that the law makes it illegal for citizen journalists to document and share information about fraud involving taxpayer money.</p><p>Newsom signed the bill into law last week, with an effective date of October 1. DeMaio indicated that he and a coalition of civil liberty advocates are preparing to file a lawsuit challenging the law.</p><p>He mentioned, "We have a plaintiff and are putting together the legal briefs," adding that they aim to present their case in court soon. DeMaio hopes that the U.S. Department of Justice will intervene, arguing that the law infringes on First Amendment rights.</p><p>DeMaio compared California's fraud issues to those in Minnesota, stating that the situation in California is more severe. He accused organizations receiving taxpayer funds of failing to provide public services and instead engaging in political activities.</p><p>He has been in discussions with the Justice Department’s Office for Civil Rights regarding the law. DeMaio expressed his intent to challenge the law in court, stating, "We have a game plan as to how we will proceed forward in the courts to overturn this unconstitutional law."</p><p>In response, Newsom's spokesperson, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, stated that the law is not specifically related to Nick Shirley, a journalist mentioned by DeMaio, and accused Republicans of spreading misinformation. She asserted that the law does not affect journalism and does not conceal fraud.</p><p>Fox News Digital also reached out to California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón for comments on the matter.</p>