Senator Jim Runestad's Press Releases

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Wednesday introduced legislation that addresses rising utility rates by requiring companies to adhere to actual-cost data instead of unreliable future projections when seeking rate increase approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). This bill is a reintroduction of Runestad’s Senate Bill 812 of 2024, which failed to pass into law, and comes at a time when utility companies

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday introduced legislation to establish a one-year moratorium on all data center projects, developments and plans in the state of Michigan. “My legislation advises caution,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “It is foolish for lawmakers to allow untested, potentially dangerous projects in our communities without proper scrutiny and thorough diligence.” Under Senate Bills 1018, 1019 and 1020, all data center

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Wednesday introduced legislation to create a rebuttable presumption of shared parenting in child custody disputes. “My legislation does not impose a rigid formula, and it does not tie the hands of judges,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “What it does is simple — and powerful; it says that absent evidence to the contrary, a child deserves a meaningful, continuing relationship

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad will host a Child Protective Services and Foster Care Reform Rally demanding reform and accountability for the abuse and deaths of children under state care and urging reform to prevent future tragedies. Who:   Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake. Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville. Rep. Gina Johnsen, R-Portland. Saba Gebrai, program director at the Park West Foundation. Ashley Belcher, aunt of

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday introduced legislation to strengthen accountability for individuals convicted of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) offenses in Michigan. “This is a massive oversight,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “Criminal sexual conduct crimes are among the most serious offenses, and those who commit them should face meaningful consequences. My bill ensures that all individuals convicted of CSC crimes, regardless of degree, are

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Wednesday introduced legislation that would limit conflicts of interest between lawmakers and state department heads. “If a sitting lawmaker serves as the chair of a committee and a direct relative serves as the director of the department within that committee’s purview, that surely creates a conflict of interest and muddies the waters,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “These are the