On Wednesday, the Michigan House of Representatives filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for her failure to comply with a subpoena issued by State Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township). The lawsuit follows the Michigan House moving to hold Benson in civil contempt of the House for her refusal to hand over subpoenaed election training materials.

“Our commitment to bring accountability to Lansing is not just lip service,” DeBoyer said. “After going years without legislative oversight, Benson has clearly grown comfortable operating independent of the other, co-equal branches of government. For months, we have tried to get her cooperation through requests, then accommodating offers, and then legal demands. Her continued defiance now brings us to the courtroom, where we will continue to diligently work to deliver government transparency for the people of Michigan.”

The Michigan House’s legal action was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, which resolves all disputes where the State of Michigan or its agencies are the defendant. The lawsuit requests a declaratory judgment from the court that the Michigan House has issued a valid subpoena that Benson must comply with. The lawsuit also requests an injunction prohibiting Benson or the Michigan Department of State from modifying any relevant records.

“Government actors, regardless of their title, all have a responsibility to uphold their constitutional oath and adhere to the law,” DeBoyer said. “Yet, Jocelyn Benson, one of the most powerful office holders in Michigan, must instead be brought to court and forced to comply with Michigan statute. We will not let her disregard for the law keep us from delivering results to the people we represent.”