William Van Regenmorter Collection, 1957-2012 | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

By Ed Gerritsen, 2009; Richard Harms, 2011; Ed Gerritsen, 2012

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Collection Overview

Title: William Van Regenmorter Collection, 1957-2012

ID: COLL/502

Primary Creator: Van Regenmorter, William

Extent: 7.05 Cubic Feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Abstract

Michigan state lawmaker from Hudsonville, Ottawa County; and author of the Michigan crime victims' rights amendment, which became a national model. The collection includes bills, resolutions, public acts summaries, photographs, correspondence, research materials, memorabilia, news releases, video tapes, audio cassettes, compact discs, awards, and interviews. The materials detail the following subjects: abortion, assisted suicide, clergy-child abuse, concealed weapons, crime victims' rights, firearms, drinking, drugs, DNA database, drunken boat driving, pre-natal protection, road rage, same sex marriage, terrorism, home invasion, death penalty, environment, gambling/casino issues, health care, prison, sex offender registry, and other miscellaneous issues.

Biographical Note

William Van Regenmorter (1939, Jamestown, MI-2012, Jenison, MI) was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, and 2002; and to the Michigan State Senate, 1990, 1994, and 1998; served as Assistant Senate Majority Floor Leader, 1995-1998; and Senate Majority Whip, 1999-2002. He served as a Republican and lives in Georgetown Township, Ottawa County.

He authored a number of bills that became law, particularly those to protect abused children, assist persons with disabilities, reduce crime, reduce taxes, reduce domestic violence, require truth in sentencing. He was the author of the Crime Victim's Rights Act that became a model for similar legislation outside of Michigan, and later became an amendment to the State Constiution. He is the recipient of numerous awards, named Michigan "Legislator of the Year" eleven times, and recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.

Prior to his political career in Lansing, Van Regenmorter worked as an analyst for Dun and Bradstreet, and Ottawa County Commissioner. He is married to Cheryl DeVries; they have four children.

Administrative Information

Repository: Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Alternate Extent Statement: 12 Boxes

Acquisition Source: William Van Regenmorter

Other Note: Acc. No. 09.34, 11.52, 12.58

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: William VanRegenmorter's Bills passed during Session, 1991-1992],
[Series 2: William VanRegenmorter's Bills passed during Session, 1993-1994],
[Series 3: William VanRegenmorter's Bills passed during Session, 1995-1996],
[Series 4: William VanRegenmorter's Bills passed during Session, 1999-2000],
[Series 5: Legal Material],
[Series 6: Correspondence],
[Series 7: News Articles and Releases],
[Series 8: Newsclippings],
[Series 9: Campaign Material, Memorabilia, Etc.],
[Series 10: Audiovisual Materials, Banners],
[Series 11: Awards and Memorabilia],
[Series 12: Biographical],
[Series 13: News releases and clippings],
[Series 14: Photographs],
[All]

Series 9: Campaign Material, Memorabilia, Etc.

Box 5

Folder 20: Campaign Material --- 1983-2004
Folder 21: General Election Campaign Material --- 1998-2002
Folder 22: Letters of Endorsement --- 2002
Folder 23: Photographs of May 1984 Fundraiser --- May 1984

Box 6

Folder 1-6: Memorabilia --- 1980s-2009
Folder 7-11: Awards and Interviews --- 1991-2002
Folder 12: Interview by Anne Seymour on Crime Victim Assistance --- 2007

Box 7

Folder 1: Michigan Bar Journal Issue --- 2005
Folder 2: Issue of Michigan Lobbyist, Magazine --- 2006
Folder 3: Copy of Duquesne Law Review, on "Right to Die" --- 1996
Folder 4: Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, Symposium on Order vs. Liberty --- 2004
Folder 5: Issue of Calvin Spark featuring eight alumni Michigan Legislators --- 1999
Folder 6: Mandatory Basic Training Curriculum, Victim Rights --- 2003
Folder 7: Crime Victim's Rights Art in Perspective Law Review --- 1989
Folder 8: Copies of Michigan State Constitution of 1963 --- 1963
Folder 9: Issues of Michigan Police Chiefs Magazine Honoring William VanRegenmorter --- 2002, 2006
Folder 10: Public Acts Summary Reports --- 1985
Folder 11: Material re: Renovation of Governor's Residence --- 2004
Folder 12: Material re: PET Scan Legislation --- 2001
Folder 13: Letters of Congratulation re: Recipient of Hal Sawyer Justice Award --- 2007
Folder 14: Oaths of Office for Terms as State Representative --- 2003 and 2005
Folder 15: Copy of Michigames, Test Your Michigan Knowledge. --- 1993
Folder 16: Miscellaneous Photographs --- 1957, 1984-1986