Fresno County clashes with Governor over new law forcing road tax vote

Governor Gavin Newsom enacted legislation that obliges Fresno County to submit the Better Roads, Safe Streets half-cent sales tax to voters, despite one outlet's review ordered by three supervisors. Chairman Garry Bredefeld contends the law undermines the county's autonomy, turning it into a "ward of the state" and limiting local control over elections. State Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria and Senator Anna Caballero backed the bill, accusing the supervisors of using the review to stall the measure.

The tax, intended to replace the expiring Measure C in 2027, could become harder to pass if Proposition 43, which would require a two-thirds majority for citizen-sponsored taxes, is approved. Fresno County has hired an election-law specialist and may sue the state, arguing the law violates constitutional limits on targeting a single county. The outcome will determine whether the tax appears on the November ballot or is blocked by a court.