Patrick Nolan Papers, 1979-1994

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Creators:
Patrick Nolan, California Legislator
Abstract:
Patrick James Nolan, Republican, was a State Assembly Member, 1979-1994. He represented the 41st District until the re-districting in 1993, after which he represented the 43rd District. The Pat Nolan Papers contain three record series covering 1979 to 1994: Bill Files, 1979-1994; Correspondence series, 1979-1993; and Subject Files, 1979-1994.
Extent:
13.5 cubic feet
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English

Background

Scope and content:

The Pat Nolan Papers contain three record series covering 1979 to 1994. The Bill Files, 1979-1994, document Nolan's interest in victim's rights, crime prevention, Medi-Cal, insurance and loan regulations, and economic revitalization during his tenure as a member of the California State Legislature. The Correspondence series, 1979-1993, illustrates Nolan's communication with lobbyists, legislators, and constituents. Notable names and topics include Tom Hayden, Dan Lundgren, Board of Equalization, and worker's compensation.

The Subject Files, 1979-1994, contain information on a variety of topics of interest to Nolan. Found throughout the Subject Files are topics related to Nolan's legislative concerns, such as illegal immigration and taxation. Additional topics found in the Subject Files relate to Nolan's leadership role in the California Republican Party as well as the various commissions he served on, including the Commission on the Californias, Debt Advisory Commission, Task Force on Financial Institutions, and Gaming Commission.

Biographical / historical:

Patrick James Nolan, Republican, was a State Assembly Member, 1979-1994. His 41st District included Burbank, Tujunga, Lakeview Terrace, and Glendale in Los Angeles County. After re-districting in 1993, he represented the 43rd District, which was primarily composed of Glendale, Pasadena, and portions of Burbank and Los Angeles.

Nolan was born on June 16, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He received both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1972) and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (1975) from the University of Southern California. Upon election, Nolan was employed as a trial attorney with a Los Angeles law firm. Nolan and his wife, Gail Zajic-MacKenzie, have three children, Courtney, Katie, and James.

Nolan was an active member of his community. Beginning at age 10, Nolan walked precincts, volunteering for groups such as State Steering Committee of Youth for Reagan. While in college, Nolan served on the Trustee Liaison Committee and was elected to the Trojan Knights and Blue Key Honor Society. Nolan was also an accomplished equestrian and served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff of Los Angeles County.

After narrowly winning the primary election against incumbent Mike D. Antonovich (Rep.), Nolan easily won the General Election in November 1978. Quickly advancing through the party's ranks, he served as Secretary for the Republican Caucus and Delegate to the Republican Convention in 1980. From 1982 to 1983 he chaired that same Caucus; from 1984 to 1987 he served as Republican Leader; and from 1985 to 1986 he was the Minority Floor Leader.

In August 1988, Nolan's office was raided by the FBI, one of several California legislators involved in what was known as the "Shrimp-scam" investigation. Undercover FBI agents posed as lobbyists for the shrimp industry and succeeded in exchanging money for legislative support. In April 1993, Nolan was indicted by a federal grand jury; he pled guilty to one count of racketeering. A special election was held in May 1994 for the 43rd District. James Rogan (Rep.) was the winner of that election as well as the June Primary and the November General in that same year.

After his release from prison, Nolan moved his family to Virginia and became an advocate for prisoner's rights. In addition to frequent speaking engagements, Nolan was appointed to serve on the U.S. Prison Rape Elimination Commission and is President of Justice Fellowship, a division of Prison Fellowship Ministries.

During his term in the Legislature, Patrick J. Nolan was a member of the following committees:

  • Standing Committees
  • Banking, Finance and Bonded Indebtedness, 1991-1992
  • Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments, 1991-1992
  • Finance and Insurance, 1989-1990
  • Finance, Insurance and Commerce, 1981-1982
  • Government Oversight, 1993-1994
  • Health, 1979-1982
  • Higher Education, 1993-1994
  • Human Resources
  • Human Services, 1983-1984
  • Insurance, 1991-1992
  • Judiciary, 1979-1980
  • Revenue and Taxation, 1983-1984
  • Rules, 1981-1982, 1989-1990, 1993-1994
  • Rules, 1989-1990, 1993-1994
  • Utilities and Commerce, 1989-1990 (Vice Chair, 1979-1980)
  • Vice-Chair, 1979-1980
  • Ways and Means, 1983-1984, 1989-1994
  • Select Committees
  • Community Colleges, 1984-1984
  • Policy Research Management, 1981-1986 (Vice Chair, 1984)
  • Vice-Chair, 1984
  • Joint Committees
  • Fire, Police, Emergency, and Disaster Services, 1983-1984
  • Task Forces
  • Financial Institutions, 1983-1984
  • Medi-Cal Reform, 1983-1984
Acquisition information:
The California State Archives acquired the Patrick Nolan Papers following his final term in the State Legislature.
Physical location:
California State Archives
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
1020 "O" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 653-2246
reference@sos.ca.gov
Website