Fresno County transportation tax lawsuit assigned to new judge

Fresno County transportation tax Assembly Bill 1923 ballot initiative Measure C

A legal dispute over the future of Fresno County's transportation tax has entered a critical phase following the assignment of Judge Jonathan Skiles to the case. This marks the fourth judge to be assigned after previous judges, including Lisa Gamoian, Robert Whelan, and Virna Santos, were removed following motions citing potential bias.

The lawsuit, filed by Fresno County against the State of California and Registrar of Voters James Kus, centers on Assembly Bill 1923. This legislation would replace Measure C, a half-cent transportation sales tax currently used to fund local infrastructure projects. The court must decide if the Better Roads, Safe Streets ballot initiative will appear on the November 3 general election ballot or be delayed until 2028.

Due to strict election deadlines, Judge Skiles has implemented an expedited schedule. Attorneys noted that the final date to modify the ballot is September 3, with printing scheduled for September 9. Skiles has requested arguments from the state and the Better Roads group this week, with a ruling expected by August 31.

Entities

Better Roads, Safe Streets · Fresno County · James Kus · Jonathan Skiles · State of California

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The final deadline to make changes to the ballot is September 3. abc30.com · sjvsun.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Three previous judges, including Lisa Gamoian, Robert Whelan, and Virna Santos, were removed from the case due to concerns of bias. fresnoland.org · abc30.com · sjvsun.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The lawsuit will determine if the Better Roads, Safe Streets tax initiative appears on the November ballot. fresnoland.org · abc30.com · sjvsun.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Judge Skiles set an expedited schedule with a ruling expected by August 31. sjvsun.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Judge Jonathan Skiles has been assigned to oversee the Fresno County lawsuit. fresnoland.org · abc30.com · sjvsun.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Assembly Bill 1923 seeks to replace Measure C, a half-cent transportation sales tax in Fresno County. abc30.com

Sources

Fresno County's Better Road tax lawsuit get third judge assigned [fresnoland.org]

19 days ago

Decision in Fresno County transportation tax could come next week [abc30.com]

18 days ago

Skiles sets quick calendar for Fresno Co. tax measure lawsuit. Here's when he'll decide on the issue. [sjvsun.com]

18 days ago