Fresno County sues over transportation tax ballot measure

Fresno County has filed a lawsuit against the State of California, the Better Roads Safe Streets campaign, and Elections Clerk James Kus to challenge the constitutionality of Assembly Bill 1923. The litigation stems from a dispute over whether a proposed half-cent transportation tax measure should appear on the upcoming November ballot.

While the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to postpone the election for the measure until March 2028, Elections Clerk James Kus stated his intention to follow AB 1923, which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Kus maintains that the state law directs him to place the measure on the November ballot regardless of the Board's resolution.

County supervisors have characterized AB 1923 as “flawed” and “ambiguous,” arguing it creates conflicts within existing election laws. Supporters of the Better Roads Safe Streets campaign expect the measure to remain on the November ballot, asserting that the democratic process should not be overridden by litigation.