FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fallout over the future of Fresno County’s transportation tax measure continued Tuesday as Fresno County supervisors voted to pursue legal action against the state and approved their own ballot measure timeline following debate over Assembly Bill 1923.
Supervisors Nathan Magsig, Buddy Mendes and Gary Bredefeld voted to sue the state of California and challenge AB 1923, which they said allows the county to place a measure on the March 7, 2028, ballot.
“This board did nothing wrong. It followed state election laws,” Bredefeld said.
Bredefeld also criticized the legislation, saying, “They have targeted Fresno County to benefit the people that they have relationships with.”
AB 1923 proposes a half-cent sales tax intended to fund road infrastructure improvements across Fresno County. During the meeting, Fresno County Clerk James Kus said the measure qualified for the ballot but contained conflicting language.
Kus also said additional steps would be required before a ballot question could be finalized.
“While right now I can say this item will be on the November 2026 ballot. I Don’t have a ballot question. I don’t have the necessary information to include in the county voter registration guide. I need that information through my regular processes, which requires resolution from your board,” Kus said.
County counsel then read an amended resolution to the clerk. The resolution included delaying the vote until March, which supporters said was necessary because the measure did not meet timing requirements for a November election.
Supervisor Luis Chavez opposed the move, arguing it disregarded the wishes of residents who signed the initiative petition. Chavez said the measure had received about 32,000 signatures and should remain on the November ballot.
Later in the meeting, supervisors left board chambers for closed-session discussions regarding potential litigation. Following a second closed-session meeting, county counsel announced the board’s decision.
“Directed filing suit against the state, the initiative proponents James Kus in his official capacity as elections official concerning constitutionality of AB1923,” county counsel Douglas Sloan said.
Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, a co-author of the bill, responded by saying “the law is crystal clear” and that the board “will do anything it can to suppress the vote.” Her office said it remains confident Kus will “do his duty and follow the law” by placing the measure on the November ballot.
County staff also presented a 500-page report on the measure, which is available online to the public. Officials said two committees will be formed to prepare arguments for and against the measure, with Chavez leading one committee and Bredefeld leading the other.
