SACRAMENTO — Governor Jerry Brown announced Friday that he has signed a bill authorizing construction of a Ronald Reagan statue inside the California Capitol in Sacramento.

In signing the bill authorizing the statue, Brown recalled Reagan’s leadership as governor. He said the Republican icon oversaw needed tax increases just as Brown wants to do with the help of voters in November.

‘‘Even in those days he demonstrated courage and unique leadership ability — even to the point of raising California taxes when he saw they were needed,’’ Brown wrote in his signing message.

In 1966, Reagan defeated Brown’s father, Pat Brown, in his bid for a third term before the state imposed term limits.

The bill written by Assemblyman Curt Hagman, a Republican from Chino Hills, authorizes planning for a statue honoring the former governor and president. It will be built with private funds.

The bill found no opposition in the Legislature.