Assembly approves urgency bill to place Fresno County transportation measure on November ballot

The Assembly approved AB 19 23 on a roll-call vote after an extended floor debate that divided lawmakers over whether the state should force placement of a Fresno County transportation measure on the November ballot.

Assemblymember Soria, the bill’s author, said the statute preserves voters’ ability to decide and argued timing concerns from the county should not bar the initiative from the ballot. "Today, a vote for AB 19 23 is not a vote for or against measure c. It is a vote to let the voters decide," Soria said in closing remarks.

Opponents, including Leader Macedo, argued the bill overrides local authority and warned of significant fiscal consequences. Leader Macedo described the measure as a state action that "forces the placement of a 30 year 0.5¢ sales tax initiative on the November 2026 ballot" and said a $7,300,000,000 tax "deserves careful and transparent review." Assemblymember DeMeyer and others criticized the timing and process, alleging the county's study was used to delay the initiative and that the legislature should not change rules to favor one county.

Supporters including Assemblymember Pellerin said the elections code makes the board’s role ministerial and that the county should not be allowed to use a study to frustrate a qualified initiative; Pellerin said the practical effect of the report requirement is "simply delay." Assemblymember Rambula also supported placing the measure on the ballot, arguing proponents met the legal signature requirement.

The Assembly recorded Ayes 54 and Noes 16; the measure passed and was ordered for immediate transmittal to the governor. The bill’s supporters said the action preserves the initiative process; critics said it sets a concerning precedent for state intervention in local ballot processes.