California Passes AB 2624 Expanding Privacy for Immigration Providers

California legislature passes AB 2624, extending Safe at Home protections to immigration support workers facing threats. Learn details, penalties, and reactions. Read more.

The California legislature has passed Assembly Bill 2624, which extends the state’s Safe at Home address confidentiality program to immigration support providers, employees, and volunteers who face threats or harassment. The measure also restricts posting their personal information or images online with the intent to incite violence. It takes effect in late 2027 and carries civil and criminal penalties.

On August 19, 2026, lawmakers completed final concurrence on AB 2624 and enrolled the bill for presentation to Governor Gavin Newsom. Authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), the legislation builds on existing privacy tools originally created for domestic violence survivors and later expanded to certain health care workers. Supporters describe it as a practical response to reported doxxing, death threats, and harassment targeting people who assist immigrant communities. Critics contend that portions of the bill could limit public scrutiny and investigative reporting.

Key Provisions of AB 2624

AB 2624 creates a new chapter in the Government Code establishing an address confidentiality program specifically for designated immigration support services providers, employees, and volunteers. Eligible individuals who can document threats of violence or harassment linked to their affiliation with a qualifying facility may apply to the Secretary of State for a substitute address. That address can then be used in public records so that home addresses remain confidential.

The bill defines immigration support services broadly to include legal representation, advocacy, case management, humanitarian relief, translation, counseling, and related assistance. Qualifying facilities encompass nonprofit offices, Department of Justice-recognized entities, community legal clinics, law offices, accredited representative sites, and certain health care locations.

In addition to the address program, the measure makes it unlawful to post on the internet the personal information or image of a covered individual—or others living at the same home address—with the specific intent that another person imminently use that information to commit a crime involving violence or the threat of violence. Civil remedies include injunctive relief and damages of up to three times actual damages or a minimum of $4,000 per violation, plus attorney fees. Criminal penalties can reach fines and jail time, with higher amounts possible if bodily injury results.

The program begins accepting applications by July 1, 2027, and the full chapter becomes operative on October 1, 2027.

Legislative Path and Official Statements

AB 2624 advanced through multiple committees in both the Assembly and Senate before final votes. The Senate approved the bill 30-10 on August 18, 2026. The Assembly concurred in Senate amendments 59-19 the following day. The measure was then enrolled and presented to the Governor.

Assemblymember Bonta and supporting lawmakers framed the bill as an extension of proven protections already available to other vulnerable groups. Senate supporters highlighted reports of coordinated threats, doxxing of staff at immigration legal aid organizations, and vigilante activity directed at service providers by name and address. They argued that workers and volunteers performing lawful assistance should not face public exposure of home addresses that could endanger them or their families.

Republican opponents raised First Amendment concerns during floor debate. Some argued that the online posting restrictions could interfere with investigative journalism and public accountability, particularly regarding organizations that receive public funds. One senator described provisions as potentially conflicting with freedom of speech and the press.

Background on the Safe at Home Program

California launched the Safe at Home program nearly three decades ago to help victims of domestic violence and stalking keep residential addresses out of public records. The Secretary of State administers the program, issuing substitute addresses that agencies must use in response to records requests. Over time, lawmakers expanded eligibility to include reproductive health care workers and certain other categories facing targeted threats.

AB 2624 applies the same framework to immigration support roles. Applicants must demonstrate a credible fear based on recent threats or harassment. Once certified, participants gain the substitute-address protection and the additional online posting safeguards.

Supporters’ and Critics’ Perspectives

Advocates view the bill as a straightforward privacy expansion. They point to documented incidents of staff being followed, receiving threats, or having personal details weaponized. Organizations providing legal and humanitarian services say the measures will help retain workers and volunteers who might otherwise leave due to safety fears.

Critics, including some independent journalists and free-speech organizations, argue that the combination of address confidentiality and posting restrictions could shield individuals and organizations from legitimate public examination. They express particular concern that the rules might complicate reporting on potential misuse of public funds or operational practices at service providers. Independent journalist Nick Shirley has been a prominent voice in the opposition and has indicated plans for a protest at the state Capitol on August 26, 2026.

The bill’s authors and Democratic supporters have rejected claims that it targets journalism, stating that the restrictions require specific intent to facilitate imminent violence and do not ban public filming or ordinary reporting.

Timeline of Events

• February 20, 2026: AB 2624 introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta.
• Spring–summer 2026: Bill advances through Assembly and Senate committees with amendments.
• May 26, 2026: Assembly passes the bill.
• August 18, 2026: Senate passes the measure 30-10.
• August 19, 2026: Assembly concurs; bill enrolled and presented to the Governor.
• October 1, 2027: Core provisions become operative.

Potential Impact and Next Steps

If signed, the law will give immigration support workers a formal pathway to protect home addresses in state and local records. It may reduce the risk of physical threats tied to online exposure while creating new civil and criminal exposure for individuals who post protected information with prohibited intent.

Organizations that rely on volunteers and staff in sensitive roles may find recruitment and retention easier. At the same time, journalists and researchers will need to navigate the new intent-based restrictions carefully when publishing personal details. The Secretary of State’s office will handle applications and program administration once the effective date arrives.

Governor Newsom now has the enrolled bill. His decision will determine whether the protections become law. Implementation planning, including application procedures and fee structures, will follow if the measure is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AB 2624? It is a California bill that expands the Safe at Home address confidentiality program to immigration support services providers, employees, and volunteers facing threats or harassment, and restricts certain online postings of their personal information.

When does AB 2624 take effect? The main provisions become operative on October 1, 2027. Applications are expected to open earlier in 2027.

What penalties does the bill create? Civil damages start at a minimum of $4,000 per violation plus attorney fees. Criminal penalties can include fines and jail time, with higher amounts if the violation results in bodily injury.

Who can apply for the new protections? Designated immigration support providers, employees, or volunteers who face threats of violence or harassment because of their affiliation with a qualifying facility and who meet documentation requirements.

Does the bill ban all posting of information about these workers? No. It targets postings made with the specific intent that the information be used imminently to commit a violent crime or threat of violence.

Why was the bill introduced? Sponsors cited reports of doxxing, death threats, and harassment directed at staff and volunteers of immigration legal aid and support organizations.

What happens next? The enrolled bill has been presented to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature or veto.

AB 2624 represents California’s latest expansion of address confidentiality and online privacy safeguards to a group of workers and volunteers who report elevated safety risks. By tying eligibility to documented threats and requiring specific intent for posting violations, lawmakers sought to balance protection with free-speech considerations. The measure now awaits the Governor’s decision, after which state agencies will prepare for implementation in 2027. As debate continues, the practical effects on both personal safety and public accountability will become clearer once the law, if enacted, takes effect.