Releases and Articles

Wildfire Legislation Ensures Payment to Victims and Protects Ratepayers

July 9, 2019
With Camp Fire survivors at the forefront of his mind, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) pushed for the passage of Assembly Bill 1054, a bill to secure compensation for fire victims and protection for utility ratepayers. “Eight-five lives lost. 14,000 homes burned. Camp Fire survivors lost everything...

Paradise to Receive $12.8M in State Budget Says Senator Jim Nielsen

June 13, 2019
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Senate Budget Vice Chair, issued the following statement regarding the passage of the state’s spending plan: “Survivors of Camp Fire will receive much-needed monies to rebuild Paradise and the Ridge in this year’s state budget. “The Town of Paradise and surrounding...

Senator Jim Nielsen Welcomes Brian Dahle to the Senate

June 12, 2019
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Dean of the Senate, issued the following statement regarding the swearing-in of Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber): “Congratulations to Senator Brian Dahle. It is great to have another farmer in the Senate. “Brian is passionate in his representation of the citizens of...

Paradise's State Senator Commends PG&E for Plan to Rebuild Electric Lines Underground

May 23, 2019
Following Cal Fire’s finding that PG&E’s transmission line caused California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state’s history, PG&E announced it will rebuild electric distribution lines underground in the town of Paradise and in nearby communities like Magalia. Senator Jim...

Paradise's State Senator Calls for Rebuilding of Camp Fire Caused by PG&E

May 15, 2019
CAL FIRE found PG&E to be the cause of California’s deadliest and most destructive fire in the state’s history. Investigators determined that PG&E’s electrical transmission lines caused the Camp Fire. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement: “This finding is not a...

Senator Nielsen: More Money Required for Camp Fire Rebuild; No New Taxes Needed with $21 Billion in Surplus

May 9, 2019
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Senate Budget Vice-Chair, issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s revision of his spending plan: “The state budget is flush with billions in surplus revenue. Twenty-one billion dollars ($21 billion), to be exact. “But that’s not enough for some in the...

Sacramento Prioritizes Convicted Murderers over Victims

April 25, 2019
This week, Legislation to keep unremorseful convicted murderers behind bars was denied a public hearing by Sacramento Democrats. Traditionally, all bills are allowed at least one hearing during a policy committee. The Chairman of the Assembly Public Safety Committee was responsible for the...

Golden State Killer deserves death, but Newsom's moratorium may save him

April 3, 2019
Shortly after Lyman and Charlene Smith drifted off to sleep, they were awakened by a bright beam of light shining in their eyes. A strange voice ordered them to get out of bed. Blinded, shaken, frightened – they complied. The intruder demanded Charlene tie Lyman’s hands. He then dragged Charlene...

Legislation to Ban Sale of Nitrous Oxide - 'Whippits' - Unanimously Passes First Committee

March 26, 2019
The Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 193, a measure to ban smoke shops from selling “whippits.” “Nitrous oxide is a legal chemical for legitimate use but when abused, it is extremely lethal,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), who authored the measure. “Young people...

Senator Jim Nielsen: 'Camp Fire Must Not Happen Again'

March 22, 2019
Governor Newsom today proclaimed a State of Emergency on wildfires and launched a $50 million public campaign on preparedness. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), who represents the Town of Paradise and the surrounding communities devastated by Camp Fire, issued the following statement: “Proper...

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Senator Nielsen Sworn-in to Represent Citizens of the Fourth District

December 3, 2018
Respected for his leadership, experience and public service, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) was sworn-in for a new four-year term in the State Senate. Senator Nielsen won the November election with 57 percent of the vote. “Representing the citizens of the Fourth Senate District is an honor and a...

Stakeholders to Meet Tuesday on Progress of Oroville Dam

October 29, 2018
Members of the Oroville Dam Safety and Reliability Ad Hoc Committee are scheduled to meet Tuesday, October 30, at 8 a.m. to discuss the progress of the Oroville Dam Spillway construction. These local leaders and experts will follow up with DWR officials regarding the safety of the department’s work...

DMV Must Get Out of the Business of Registering Voters

October 17, 2018
Given the fiasco of botched voter registrations at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) will introduce legislation to get the DMV out of the voter registration business so it can focus on issuing licenses and car registrations. “Voter registration is the...

Let's Make the DMV Audit a Reality

September 20, 2018
Motorists across the state have had to wait in hours-long lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register their vehicle or license renewal. Some have spent an entire day waiting in line. Upset drivers have flooded my office with calls and emails. To make matters worse, DMV personnel...

Pouring More Water into the Pacific Ocean Hasn't Worked

August 23, 2018
Following Wednesday night’s hearing by the California State Water Board on its proposal to increase water flows into the Pacific Ocean, former rancher turned State Senator – Jim Nielsen – issued the following statement: “At what point do we say enough is enough? This water grab would take millions...

Bail Reform Will Make Criminal Justice System Worse, Says Former Chair of Board of Prison Terms

August 21, 2018
Senate Bill 10 (Hertzberg), a bill to eliminate the current money bail system, passed both houses of the Legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), who served as Chair of the Board of Prison Terms, issued the following statement: “...

Senator Nielsen's Legislation to Encourage More Pilots to Fight Wildfires Moves a Step Closer to Reality

August 17, 2018
Wildfires are raging across California, and aircraft pilots are an integral part of fighting these devastating blazes. But cost-prohibitive regulations discouraged contracted pilots from partnering with CAL FIRE to battle the fires. “Hundreds of thousands of acres of land are burning, endangering...

Senator Jim Nielsen Votes to Protect Californians' Privacy Online

June 28, 2018
(State Capitol, Sacramento) – “The right to privacy is a fundamental right cherished by Americans,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), who voted in support of AB 375 to protect users' privacy online. “Whether in our homes or online, we value our privacy and want to protect our personal...

Former Chair of the Board of Prison Terms Says PPIC Study Overlooked Data

June 13, 2018
The Public Policy Institute of California issued a report, The Impact of Proposition 47 on Crime and Recidivism , today claiming there is “no evidence that violent crime increased as a result of Proposition 47” in its summary. It further asserted that “Recidivism rates decreased due to Proposition...

Keeping Californians in the Dark -- Budget Deal Done the Same Way as Car & Gas Tax

June 9, 2018
Democrat Assembly Budget writers continue to be tone-deaf to the needs and desires of everyday Californians. The Democrat-controlled Legislature canceled a day of public hearings to negotiate behind closed doors and then emerged in the morning to announce a budget deal. Vice Chairman of the Senate...

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Senator Jim Nielsen's Statement on Tehama County Shooting

November 14, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) released the following statement regarding Tuesday morning’s mass shooting: “My heart goes out to the victims and loved ones affected by Tuesday morning’s horrific shooting in Rancho Tehama. “We are heartbroken over this senseless violence, and will be praying for the...

Local Leaders Take Dam Advocacy Efforts to D.C.

November 4, 2017
YUBA CITY – Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and representatives from the Oroville Dam Coalition will be traveling to Washington D.C. next week to seek federal assistance with outstanding issues relating to the spillway crisis. “My constituents living...

Work at Oroville Dam Far from Complete Warn Northstate Lawmakers

November 1, 2017
With most of the work on the Oroville Dam Spillway complete, North State's Legislators - Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) and Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) - thank the dedicated men and women who have worked around the clock to repair the Spillway and ask the state to clean up the...

Lawmakers, Local Leaders and Residents Protest Gas Tax Increase

October 30, 2017
On November 1, the largest gas tax increase in California history will go into effect. Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), and Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) joined their constituents and local leaders in Chico to protest the $52 billion...

Senate Republican Caucus Chairman on the Las Vegas Massacre

October 2, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) released the following statement following the mass shooting in Las Vegas: “Marilyn and I are heartbroken over the massacre in Las Vegas. We are fervently praying for the victims and their families. “We are all grieving about this tragedy from the bottom of our hearts...

Senator Jim Nielsen's Statement on Independent Forensic Report on Oroville Dam

September 5, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement regarding the interim status memo by the Oroville Dam Spillway Incident Independent Forensic Team: “This memo outlines the deficiencies in the spillway and continues to confirm my observations, those of my father-in-law who worked as an...

Senator Nielsen's Statement on DACA Program

September 5, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement today regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: “Through no fault of their own, these youth were brought to or sent by their parents to the United States. Many have made great contributions to our communities...

State Easing of Public Safety Laws Emboldens Criminal Behavior

August 31, 2017
According to authorities, Thomas Daniel Littlecloud fired multiple shots at officers who knocked on the front door and walls of a motel room in their search for a different parolee’s room. Littlecloud struck and injured two CHP officers before he attempted to exit through the back balcony. Using a...

State Supreme Court Makes it Easier for Local Government to Raise Taxes, Assessments & Fees on Homeowners

August 30, 2017
In a 5-2 decision, the California Supreme Court ruled that tax, assessment and fee increases proposed by citizens require only a simple majority vote, and that the stricter two-thirds vote requirement imposed by Proposition 218 only applies to government entities, not citizen initiatives. “The...

Law Enforcement and Local Officials Applaud Passage of Nielsen Bill to Protect Children from Marijuana - Urging Governor to Sign SB 663

August 24, 2017
On January 1, 2018, Californians over the age of 21 will legally be able to buy recreational marijuana including edibles and other products. Children will inadvertently be exposed to the marketing of this drug. “Studies have shown the dangers that accidental marijuana ingestion poses to young...

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Time for Caution; Not for Spending Spree

November 16, 2016
Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) issued the following statement regarding the Legislative Analyst’s budget forecast for 2017-18: “Legislative leadership should heed the independent Legislative Analyst’s warning of uncertainty about our economy. His forecast...

California State Senate Calls on Congress to Bring Permanent Solution to Repayment of California National Guard Reenlistment Bonuses

October 31, 2016
The California State Senate today requests, in the strongest possible terms, for Congress to expedite all actions necessary to permanently waive the requirement that our state’s Army National Guard members repay federal financial incentives they received in exchange for wartime reenlistment.

Chairman of CA State Senate Veterans Affairs Issues Statement Regarding Forced Repayment of CalGuard Enlistment Bonuses

October 24, 2016
Chair of the California State Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), telephoned the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), and members of the California Congressional Delegation to urge them to take action to end the aggressive...

California's Small Businesses Praise Senator Nielsen's Voting Record

October 4, 2016
Citing his experience and strong advocacy of small businesses, the National Federation of Independent Business/California (NFIB) awarded Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) a perfect score of 100 percent. “California continues to be a difficult place to do business – from the burdensome regulations to...

Ag Overtime Law Will Hurt Family Farms and Farm Workers

September 12, 2016
Governor Brown today signed Assembly Bill 1066 (D-Gonzalez), a measure that will require farmers to pay overtime after eight hours or 40 hours per week. Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), a life-long farmer and advocate, issued the following statement:

SB 32 Not Good for Californians nor Our Economy

August 24, 2016
The California Legislature voted to extend greenhouse gas mandates today by passing Senate Bill 32. The measure, if signed by the Governor, would require the California Air Resources Board to impose regulations to ensure statewide greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to 40% (or higher) below the 1990 levels by December 31, 2030.

Cap-and-Trade Program Auction a Flop

August 23, 2016
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) held the eighth auction of greenhouse gas allowances on August 16, 2016. Today, CARB released the results. Senate Republican Caucus Chair - Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) – issued the following statement:

Lawmakers Ask Citizens to Speak Out Against Placement of Sexually Violent Predator in Marysville

July 20, 2016
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), former Chairman of the Board of Prison Terms and helped draft Marsy’s Law and the Sexually Violent Predator Act, and Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Plumas Lake) opposed the placement of Sexually Violent Predator Fraisure Earl Smith in Marysville and sent the attached letter to the courts.

GOP Caucus Chairman Issues Statement on Passing of Senator Sharon Runner

July 14, 2016
Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) issued the following statement upon receiving news of the passing of his friend and colleague, Senator Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster):

Nielsen: State Needs to Prioritize Spending and Proceed with Caution

May 13, 2016
Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s release of his revised budget:

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Lanterman Coalition and Legislators Partner to Push for Funding of Developmental Disability Services

December 10, 2015
Families, healthcare providers and supporters marched to the State Capitol Thursday to highlight the lack of state funding for California’s most vulnerable and voiceless population, those with developmental disabilities. “Increased access to care should be a budget priority,” said Senator Jim...

Governor Approves Increase in Compensation for Wrongly Jailed

October 7, 2015
Compensation for citizens who have been wrongly accused and incarcerated of a crime will now be increased from $100 to $140 a day; a welcome piece of news for innocent people like Maurice Caldwell, who spent 21 years locked up for a crime he did not commit. "There are many people who deserve to...

Statement from Senator Nielsen on SB 350

October 7, 2015
The Governor today signed Senate Bill 350 (de León) into law. Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) issued the following statement: "This measure will certainly increase our energy costs. “Senate Bill 350 will drive up the costs for our...

State Officials Honor Latino American Veterans

September 15, 2015
State officials gathered today at the El Soldado (“The Soldier”) Memorial in the State Capitol Park to honor the sacrifices and contributions of Latino American Veterans. “We are so grateful to the veterans who continue to serve,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), who leads the Senate Committee...

Sacramento Shows Its Pride to the World

September 11, 2015
Thousands of Sacramentans lined Capitol Mall Friday to honor three local childhood friends – Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone – who courageously tackled and hogtied a terrorist, saving the lives of countless passengers on a Paris-bound train. “What a fantastic show of pride and...

Bad Drought Policy Decided Behind Closed Doors

June 19, 2015
The Legislature and Governor today passed the state budget with a bipartisan 30-9 vote. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, voted to support the budget bill using the Governor's more prudent revenue estimates. Senate Bill 97 keeps faith with voters by putting...

Senate Republican Budget Priorities

June 1, 2015
As legislative budget conference committee members discuss the state budget, Senate Republicans outlined their priorities to create a bi-partisan budget that is sustainable. While there are many positive elements in the Governor’s budget plan, it proposes a new record high spending level of over $...

Senate Republicans Ask Governor to Work in Bi-partisan Manner for Drought Relief

May 11, 2015
In a letter to Governor Jerry Brown, Senate Republicans thank him for leadership in bringing water and conservation efforts to the forefront of California’s policy priorities. The letter asks for the following: Expedite bond dollars where possible Support Senate Bill 127 (Vidak) to streamline...

Nielsen, Gallagher & North State Residents Rally for Water at State Capitol

April 27, 2015
Hundreds gathered at the State Capitol Monday to demonstrate their support for building Sites Reservoir. Many came to speak in support of Assemblyman Gallagher’s and Senator Nielsen’s Assembly Bill 311. "Water is essential to our everyday lives," said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber). "We are doing...

AG Harris Orders CDCR Not to Enforce Jessica's Law

March 26, 2015
California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris has advised parole officers at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation that sex offender residency restrictions, approved by the voters, would be found unconstitutional in every county. As a result, parole officers will no longer be...

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