New state bill proposed to force Fresno County to place Measure C replacement on November ballot

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two Central Valley lawmakers have introduced legislation that would place a proposed transportation tax measure before Fresno County voters, renewing efforts to extend funding for local transportation projects as the future of Measure C remains uncertain.

Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria and State Senator Anna Caballero announced the introduction of the Fresno County Transportation Act, also known as AB 1923, on Monday. The legislation would serve as a successor to Measure C and would require Fresno County to place the initiative before voters in the upcoming general election.

Measure C is a half-cent sales tax designed to fund transportation projects throughout Fresno County. The tax is scheduled to expire in June 2027.

The proposal comes after the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted last month to pause consideration of a Measure C replacement tax, known as the Better Roads, Safe Streets Initiative, until further review could be completed.

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias said there has been broad support among local leaders for renewing the transportation tax.

"80% of the mayors in Fresno County, representing more than 800,000 residents, all agreed to support the Measure C renewal," Arias said.

Arias said the legislation introduced by Soria and Caballero would provide significant transportation funding across the county.

"This action by Assemblywoman Soria and Senator Caballero would provide millions and millions of dollars in funding to local roads in every single community in Fresno County," Arias said.

Supervisor Nathan Magsig, who was the swing vote in last month's decision, said his hesitation stemmed from details contained in the proposal.

"For me, as sort of that swing vote, with that particular measure, as I read through Exhibit A, which lays out how the measure is to be implemented, what I found was, it was confusing to me," Magsig said. "There were certain things that were prescriptive to the county that I had concerns with."

In a statement, Assemblywoman Soria said, "Senator Caballero and I have heard from Mayors throughout Fresno County, and more importantly, we have heard directly from our Fresno community and constituents about the importance of Measure C. Voters in Fresno County should not be denied an opportunity to decide the future of Measure C. We cannot afford to do nothing. Doing so will result in the loss of hundreds of good-paying jobs throughout the Valley, along with critically needed road improvements throughout Fresno County. Senator Caballero and I remain committed to the greater Fresno community and will do everything in our power to ensure voters in Fresno County have the opportunity to have their voices heard on November 3, 2026. That is why we are happy to introduce AB 1923, which ensures the 'Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act' is placed on Fresno County voters' ballots on November 3, 2026. Voters-not a select few County Supervisors, should have the final say about this initiative."

Magsig raised concerns about the state legislation, saying it would reduce local control over the issue.

"To me with this bill being introduced, specifically targeting Fresno County, it really takes a lot of that authority away from local elected officials," Magsig said. "So generally speaking, I don't like legislation that just targets one community."

Meanwhile, the Fresno City Council last week approved a new General Fund Sales Tax intended to help address funding gaps that could result from the expiration of Measure C.

"The way we passed the Fresno tax initiative included language that if the Better Roads, Safer Streets ballot initiative passed, our tax would expire immediately," Arias said.

The deadline to complete the review of the Measure C replacement tax is Friday. However, officials said the study could extend beyond the deadline needed for inclusion on the November ballot if the measure were approved.

The study's findings are expected to be presented to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors next Tuesday. Arias said several Fresno County leaders plan to travel to Sacramento this week to lobby for the bill's passage.

The legislation's first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.