Van Regenmorter, William

William Van Regenmorter was born in Jamestown, Michigan on January 29, 1939. He married in 1958, and the marriage has produced four children. Van Regenmorter is a graduate of Calvin College and has worked as an analyst for Dun and Bradstreet. He began his political career as a Commissioner of Ottawa County, Michigan. In 1982, Van Regenmorter ran as a Republican candidate for the Michigan State House of Representatives. He won the election and served four consecutive terms in the House. In 1990, Van Regenmorter was elected to the Michigan State Senate. In Senate, he served as Assistant Senate Majority Floor Leader from 1995-1998 and as Majority Whip. As a Representative, Van Regenmorter authored the Crime Victim Rights Act. This Act, the first comprehensive crime victims' rights act in the United States, has been used as a national model by victims rights organizations and by legislators in other states. The National Victim Center named Van Regenmorter "National Legislator of the Year" and he has won three other national awards. He holds an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. In 1997, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers established the "William Van Regenmorter Award" in his honor. MADD presents the award to people and organizations who "exhibit outstanding leadership in the service of victims of crimes."