Fresno County judge upholds Measure S transportation tax ballot status

A Fresno County Superior Court judge has ruled that the state of California acted legally in passing Assembly Bill 1923, which mandates that the Measure S transportation tax initiative appear on the November ballot.

Judge Jonathan Skiles rejected arguments from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, who had sued the state, Measure S supporters, and the County Registrar of Voters. The county contended that AB 1923 was unconstitutional and sought to delay the tax measure until the March 2028 ballot. The dispute arose after the Board of Supervisors ordered a 30-day study intended to push the measure to 2028, prompting the state Legislature to intervene with AB 1923 to ensure the count was placed on the upcoming November ballot.

Following the ruling, Fresno County Board Chair Garry Bredefeld announced that the county would not appeal the decision. Measure S, also known as the ‘Better Roads, Safe Streets’ initiative, will proceed to the November countywide general election.