Fresno County Sued Over New Cap on Sex Offenders in Homes

Three registered sex offenders challenge county law limiting number of registrants per single-family residence

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Three registered sex offenders in Fresno County, California have filed a lawsuit against the county over a new law that prohibits more than 6 registered sex offenders from living in a single-family home. The law, which took effect on Friday, is being challenged by the offenders who claim it conflicts with state law. The county says the ordinance is about public safety, while the offenders argue it could force them out of housing and back onto the streets.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between public safety concerns and the rights of registered sex offenders, as communities grapple with how to balance these competing interests. The lawsuit could set an important legal precedent around the extent to which local governments can restrict where sex offenders can live.

The details

The new Fresno County ordinance imposes several restrictions, including prohibiting more than 6 registered sex offenders from living in a single-family home, limiting such homes to no more than 6 beds, and preventing more than six unrelated people from living together in a single-family dwelling occupied by one or more registered sex offenders. The three offenders filing the lawsuit claim the ordinance violates their rights to live, work, assemble, and move about the state. One offender named in the complaint was previously homeless before finding housing in a transitional facility, and argues the new law could force him and others back onto the streets.

  • The new Fresno County law took effect on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The first hearing on the lawsuit is set for July 2026.

The players

Janice Bellucci

An attorney defending the three registered sex offenders in the lawsuit against Fresno County.

Garry Bredefeld

A Fresno County Supervisor who says the county ordinance is about protecting public safety and will not be intimidated by the lawsuit.

John Doe

A registered sex offender in Fresno County who was previously homeless before finding housing in a transitional facility, and is now part of the lawsuit claiming the new county law could force him and others back onto the streets.

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What they’re saying

“We ask that the court issue a judgment declaring that this ordinance is preempted by state law and violates the state constitution. And, you know, eventually we believe we will be successful. We're not requesting a temporary restraining order at this time.”

— Janice Bellucci, Attorney (kmph.com)

“They've initiated very serious penalties if they continue to do this, and they know we are very serious about it. That's why they got his advocacy group for sex offenders to file a lawsuit, but it will not intimidate us. It is legal, it is constitutional, and it will be done. We will protect our residents no matter what threats or lawsuits come our way.”

— Garry Bredefeld, Fresno County Supervisor (kmph.com)

What’s next

The first hearing on the lawsuit filed by the three registered sex offenders is set for July 2026, where the court will consider whether to issue a judgment declaring the Fresno County ordinance as preempted by state law and unconstitutional.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing public safety concerns with the rights of registered sex offenders. The outcome of this lawsuit could set an important legal precedent around the extent to which local governments can restrict where sex offenders can live, and the implications for offenders who may be forced out of housing and back onto the streets.