Michigan House adopts contempt resolution against Secretary of State over subpoena dispute

The Michigan House of Representatives on May 22 adopted House Resolution 117, a measure to hold Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the Department of State in civil contempt of the House, after a recorded roll-call vote of 58–47.

Supporters said the action was necessary after what they described as months of noncompliance with subpoenas issued by a legislative oversight committee. "We did that. We did that in accordance with the laws of the state of Michigan," Representative Andrew DeBoer said, arguing the secretary "made a determination without authority that they do not have to comply with a subpoena that was legally and appropriately conveyed to them." He added, "That madam speaker is a threat to our structure. That is a threat to our integrity."

Opponents said the contempt resolution threatened election workers and relied on documents already provided or withheld only for legitimate privilege and security reasons. "In a time when we need more clerks and election workers, these dedicated public servants face unprecedented levels of threats and harassment," Representative Sernigloo said, urging colleagues to reject the resolution and to protect the security of election-related information.

The debate included procedural points and a parliamentary inquiry about what rule or authority was required to initiate legal action against an executive-branch department. Minority Floor Leader Matt Fitzgerald requested a recorded roll call; the demand was supported and the clerk opened the board. After votes were tallied, the presiding officer announced that a majority of members present had voted in favor and the resolution was adopted.

The resolution text, read on the House floor, states the House's finding that the secretary and the Department of State have been in civil contempt; it directs the House to pursue the remedies available under the chamber's rules and Michigan law. The transcript shows proponents asserted subpoenas had been issued and not complied with for approximately seven months; opponents said thousands of documents had been produced and that remaining records were being reviewed for sensitive material.

The action does not itself impose criminal penalties; the resolution authorizes the chamber to pursue contempt remedies under applicable legislative procedures and law. The House suspended Rule 71 to consider the resolution earlier in the day. Further legal steps or enforcement actions referenced in debate were not detailed on the floor and would be subject to subsequent committee or legal processes.

The measure prompted partisan floor debate but no immediate court filing on the House floor; copies of the resolution will be entered into the House record and any follow-up (legal or committee action) was not specified during floor remarks.