accomplishments

History and Accomplishments throughout Senator Nichols’ Career & Life

Nichols has a strong conservative record focused on limited government and representing our district’s interests. He authored and passed legislation to reduce government spending, protect landowners and encourage free-markets. Before becoming a state senator, Nichols was a successful businessman who built four manufacturing facilities, earned 32 U.S. patents, and created more than 900 jobs for East Texas families. He has also served as a mayor and was appointed by then Governor George W. Bush and re-appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Transportation Commission where he served for eight years.

Today

Today

May 29, 2017

Supported Pension Reform (HB 3158)

Improved Houston Firefighters and Dallas Police officers solvency (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Supported TRS-Care bill (HB 3976)-

Added state funding to teacher’s healthcare fund (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Supported American Steel (SB 1289)

Created preference for American steel in infrastructure projects (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Supported TxDOT Sunset Bill (SB 312)

Implemented recommendations on the agency (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Authored SB 16

Authored SB 16- license to carry fee reduction from $70 to $40 (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Supported HB 13- mental health grant program

(85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Co-authored Sermon Protection Act (SB 24)

(85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Supported SB 8

Prohibits partial-birth abortions (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Passed a Balanced Budget

Passed a balanced budget, with provisions to hire 600 new caseworkers for abused/neglected children, $800 million to secure the border and hiring of 250 new troopers, and $25 million for protective vests for law enforcement (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Supported Ports Corridor Bill (SB 1524)

Ensured those who manufacture products for export could compete with the rest of the nation (85th Session)

May 29, 2017

Supported Mental Health Funding

Supported mental health funding, including $300 million for new and replacement state hospitals (85th Session)

June 1, 2015

Helped fund new LSCO building

Lamar State College-Orange (LSCO) to receive a $10 million TRB to fund a multi-purpose education building on campus (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported Women Veterans Initiative

HB 867 to make Women Veterans Initiative permanent (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Provided high quality Pre-K (HB 4)

84th Session

June 1, 2015

Co-authored bill to strengthen contracting practices across Texas (SB 20)

84th Session

June 1, 2015

Supported increases for homestead exemption for school property taxes by $10,000

84th Session

June 1, 2015

Supported increase in education basic allotment

From $5,040 to $5,140 in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported franchise tax cuts

HB 32- cuts franchise tax rates by 25% for all businesses paying the tax (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported improvements to Rusk State Hospital

$4 million/year (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported reduction of transportation debt

Supported SJR 5/HB 20- dedicates $2.5 billion + 35% of motor vehicle sales tax revenues over $5 billion annually to reducing transportation debt (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported Shepherd ISD land trasfer

SB 38 (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported mobility fund

Supported mobility fund to reduce transportation-related debt (HB 122) (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Co-authored SJR 22- people have the right to hunt and fish

84th Session

June 1, 2015

Supported open carry with background check (HB 910)

Allows Texans to open carry as long as they meet current CHL background check requirements (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Helped fund STEM building at SFA

SFA to receive a $46.4 million tuition revenue bond (TRB) to fund a Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) building on campus (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Passed a Balanced Budget

Passed a balanced budget that was $2 billion under the spending cap

June 1, 2015

Supported Teacher Retirement System of Texas funding

Supported allocation of funds to Teacher Retirement System of Texas (HB 2) (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported Border Security

Passed an $800 million border security package

June 1, 2015

Passed Pastor Protection Act

Passed Pastor Protection Act (SB 2065)- protects First Amendment rights of pastors (84th Session)

June 1, 2015

Supported $4 billion in tax relief

84th Session

June 1, 2015

Legislator of the Year

Named Legislator of the Year by Texas Forestry Association

May 27, 2013

Forest Advocacy

Authored SB 1267- TIMOS liability; Sponsored HB 487- volunteer firefighter liability; Sponsored HB 2741- creates an optional timber-specific permit that allows loggers to load up to 44k lbs. on a tandem axle; Supported numerous grant applications for VFDs in all years (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Overhauled the state’s oversight of investor-owned water and sewer utilities (IOUs)

SB 567 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Protected the elderly and disabled with legislation

Medicaid fraud crack down (SB 8) and expanded delivery options for healthcare (SB 7) (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Supported drug testing for those who receive unemployment and welfare benefits

Unemployment benefits- SB 21; welfare benefits- SB 11 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Supported Justin’s Law

HB 1302- Tougher penalties for sex offenders (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Created State Water Implementation Fund of Texas (SWIFT)

HB 4 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Co-authored Mental Health First Aid Bill

SB 955 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Limited practice of funding the Dept. of Public Safety from Highway Fund

Ended $400 million in diversions (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Passed HB 1133

Telecom tax credit of $100 million

May 27, 2013

Reduced dependence on tolls

83rd Session

May 27, 2013

Helped make permanent franchise tax exemptions

For businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenues (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Improved road safety

SB 510- Drivers required to vacate lanes when construction workers are present (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Passed a Balanced Budget

Passed a balanced budget with no new taxes (83rd Session) 

May 27, 2013

Passed Research and Development Tax Credit

HB 800- provides $240 million in additional tax relief (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Protected Texas taxpayers with legislation

Contracts with predefined “buy-back” provisions (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Eliminated System Benefit Fund Fee on Electric Utility Bills

HB 7-  resulting in $140 million in fee cuts for consumers annually (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Sped up environmental review process

Passed SB 466 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Reformed School Standardized Testing

HB 5 cuts number of tests from 15 to 5 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Renewed the Texas Economic Development Act

HB 3390 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Prohibited a free road from being converted into a toll road

Passed SB 1029 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Preserved the health of the Rainy Day Fund

83rd Session

May 27, 2013

Improved consumer rate regulation process

Transferred these functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Improved process for inter-basin water transfers

Passed HB 3233 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Passed Merry Christmas bill

HB 308 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Supported new transportation revenue for TxDOT

Passed SJR 1/HB 1 (83rd Session)

May 27, 2013

Recognized as one of the top 3 conservatives in the Senate

(83rd Session)

May 30, 2011

Forest Advocacy

Sponsored HB 612 and HB 613- timber theft bills; Sponsored SB 732- Tree cutting bill- “vegetation without representation”; Sponsored HB 3309- maximum weights for state highways, roads, and bridges; Authored SB 646- Texas Forest Service Sunset Bill- 1) Prevented the closure of local TFS sites and 2) Prevented the layoff of “boots on the ground” (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Established a streamlined process for toll project development

SB 19 (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Prevented Medicaid fraud

SB 688 (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Secured the vote with voter ID requirements

SB 14 (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Required disclosure for fracking chemicals and the amount used

82nd Session

May 30, 2011

Established protections for water users

SB 573- provides a way out of the water provider monopoly so users can contract with whoever they choose (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Extended small business tax exemption

82nd Session

May 30, 2011

Drew new districts as a result of the 4 Congressional seats added after the Census

82nd Session

May 30, 2011

Created a “Choose Life” license place

Co-authored SB 257 (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Helped fund education

Reduced the original intended cut in the budget; secured previously denied federal funds (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Passed a balanced budget with no new taxes

82nd Session

May 30, 2011

Continued to prevent unnecessary privatization of Texas roads

Gave locals control of the roads (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Denied pension benefits to state officials convicted of certain crimes

Co-authored SB 371 (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Reviewed and reformed state agencies in the Sunset Advisory Committee

82nd Session

May 30, 2011

Promoted private property rights

SB 1812- requires background checks for right-of-way agents licensed in Texas (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Required criminal background checks for easement/right-of-way agents for pipeline companies

SB 1812 (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Extended second amendment rights

Passed legislation to prohibit employers from banning employees from storing a gun in their car in a company parking lot (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Required criminal background checks for EMT licensure

Sponsored HB 1476 (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Sponsored HB 444

Required the TCEQ to provide a copy of an injection well application to the groundwater conservation district (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Authorized Alabama-Coushatta Indian tribe to establish their own police force

SB 1378- Polk and Tyler Counties (82nd Session)

May 30, 2011

Provided enhanced groundwater safety notifications

SB 430 (82nd Session)

July 2, 2009

Reformed transportation policy

81st Session- Special Session

June 1, 2009

Prevented gang violence

HB 2680- provided new tools for law enforcement to fight against gangs (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Strengthened border security

With same tools used to prevent gang violence (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Increased funding for public education

81st Session

June 1, 2009

Promoted higher education opportunities

40% increase in funding for the TEXAS grant program (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Allowed Polk County to pay 1970s historical price for new higher education center

SB 1670- allowing Polk County to pay the 1970s historical price for land in order to establish a new higher education center in Livingston (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Protected individuals in state care

SB 643- requiring significant reforms to prevent abuse and neglect (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Secured funding for a Lukfin distribution center for disaster relief

helped victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Balanced the state budget without raising taxes or dipping into the Rainy Day Fund

81st Session

June 1, 2009

Reduced spread of flu virus

HB 1409- allowed pharmacists to administer the flu vaccine to children ages 7-14; SB 1171- improved communication with local health authorities (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Encouraged job growth

HB 1914- Cut taxes for many small businesses and removed competition from prison labor (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Preserved the name of Stephen F. Austin State University

SB 596 (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Fought for landowners’ rights

Co-authored legislation to allow Texans to vote on a constitutional amendment to strengthen landowners’ rights (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Supported veterans and their families

SB 93, or the Hazelwood Legacy Act, waived tuition at a public college/university for children of veterans; HB 3613 also exempted fully disabled veterans from paying property taxes (81st Session)

June 1, 2009

Forest Advocacy

Sponsored HB 2914- fuel mitigation pilot programs for fire departments; Sponsored HB 3340- conveyance of state forest land in Cherokee County under control of the Texas A&M Board of Regents; Authored SB 1668- TDA Biomass program- legislation amended to ensure biomass fuel sources did not adversely affect other timber-product businesses; Protected use of timber for electric poles; Supported increase in funding of $7 million for Texas Wildfire Protection Plan; Supported increase in funding for Rural Volunteer Fire Dept. Insurance Program and Rural Fire Dept. Assistance Program; Fought legislation to require green building costs (81st Session)

May 28, 2007

Passed a fiscally sound budget with no new taxes

80th Session

May 28, 2007

Created new Montgomery County Courts

80th Session

May 28, 2007

Provided property tax relief

Extended a 33% tax cut to seniors and disabled taxpayers (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Combatted hydrilla on Texas lakes

SB 825 (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Sponsored the Landowner Bill of Rights

HB 1495- explains the process of eminent domain in language easily understood by the average property owner (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Protected water rights

SB 3 (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Kept the Texas State Railroad on track with SB 1659

80th Session

May 28, 2007

Kept the Toledo Bend Reservoir at a healthy level

80th Session

May 28, 2007

Co-authored Castle Doctrine

SB 378- allows Texans to use deadly force against intruders on their home or occupied vehicle (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Protected Texans in rural and unincorporated areas

With ratemaking reforms for water and wastewater utilities (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Passed a moratorium on privately owned and operated toll roads

SB 792 (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Helped pass SB 792

Improves the transportation funding mechanism and  grants toll road authorities the opportunity to complete and extend projects (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Strengthened border security

SB 11 (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Protected children from predators with Jessica’s Law

HB 8- toughens penalties on child molesters (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Funded the new DeWitt School of Nursing at SFA

HB 1775 (80th Session)

May 28, 2007

Provided harsher penalties for concealing murder

HB 872 (80th Session)

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Senator Robert Nichols

5 days ago

Senator Robert Nichols

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Senator Robert Nichols

7 days ago

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Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving! ... See MoreSee Less

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!
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Thank you Senator Nichols. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! ☺️

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Republican for Texas Senate District 3

Sen. Robert Nichols
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30 Nov

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SENATOR NICHOLS

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CONTACT

Phone: (903) 586-1200
Fax: (903) 586-7877
Email: info@nicholsforsenate.com

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2347
Jacksonville, Texas 75766

Physical Address:
214 East Commerce Street
Jacksonville, Texas 75766

MEET ROBERT NICHOLS

Texas Sen. Robert Nichols is a devoted husband and father who shares our conservative East Texas values. Sen. Nichols cares deeply about Texas and our country.

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