Fresno County is proceeding with a road tax initiative on the November ballot, despite filing a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state for mandating its inclusion. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1923 into law last week, requiring the county to place the "Better Roads, Safe Streets" initiative before voters.
If approved by voters, the initiative would enact a half-cent sales tax to fund transportation infrastructure. The measure was initiated by citizens, and county supervisors had previously ordered a 30-day review of the proposal, a move critics suggested was intended to delay its placement on the ballot beyond the November election. Supporters of the tax then sought state intervention to ensure it appeared on the ballot.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors has expressed strong opposition to AB 1923, with Chairman Garry Bredefeld stating that the legislation represents an overreach of state power and undermines local governance. The county's lawsuit describes the bill as an unprecedented statute in modern California election law, with Supervisor Nathan Magsig asserting that the measure is "flawed," "ambiguous," and raises "significant constitutional issues."
The lawsuit also names Fresno County Clerk James Kus, who has stated his intention to comply with the state law. However, Kus acknowledged that the pending litigation could influence the interpretation and implementation of the bill. A court ruling is anticipated before September 9, the deadline for ballot printing.
Supporters of the "Better Roads, Safe Streets" initiative have criticized the county's legal challenge. Sandra Celedon, a member of the initiative's supporting group, stated that the county supervisors' actions amount to an attempt to override the democratic process. The initiative is expected to remain on the November ballot unless a court intervenes before the printing deadline.