A resolution to urge Jocelyn Benson to release all information in her possession related to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s operations, including any details concerning the organization’s alleged payments to individuals associated with extremist groups, and to publicly address her role in the organization.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 41 co-sponsors

The resolution urges the Secretary of State to publicly disclose all information she possesses about SPLC and address her involvement, focusing on transparency rather than new law.

roll call Roll Call #145 Yeas 56 Nays 50 Excused 0 Not Voting 4

Bill Summary: HR 313 (Michigan, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

HR 313 is a resolution urging Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State, to disclose all information in her possession related to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and to publicly address her role in the organization.

The measure frames the request as requiring transparency about SPLC’s operations, including details related to alleged payments to individuals associated with extremist groups.

Key provisions

Legislative directive: The resolution formally requests (urges) the Secretary of State to release all information she possesses concerning SPLC’s operations.

Payment information: Specifically asks for disclosures related to any alleged payments made by SPLC to individuals tied to extremist groups.

Public addressing of role: Requires Benson to publicly address her involvement or role with SPLC.

Non-binding nature: As a resolution, it expresses the body’s position and request rather than creating enforceable law or imposing new statutory obligations.

Who or what would be affected

Primary official: Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State.

SPLC-related information: Records and communications in Benson’s possession related to SPLC’s operations and alleged payments to individuals connected to extremist groups.

Public accountability: The measure seeks to shape public discourse and transparency around Benson’s perceived associations and influence.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and actions (2026):

Introduced on May 13, 2026 by Representative Rachelle Smit.
Rule 71 suspension occurred on May 13, 2026, followed by adoption on the same day.
Roll call vote (Roll Call #145) resulted in Yeas 56, Nays 50, Excused 0, Not Voting 4, indicating a narrowly divided House passage.

Sponsorship: The bill has a broad slate of co-sponsors representing multiple districts; notable names include Matt Maddock, Steve Carra, Nancy Jenkins-Arno, Greg Markkanen, and others.

Potential impact and considerations

Transparency and information access: The resolution emphasizes governmental transparency and requests public disclosure of materials related to SPLC and perceived ties or affect on state processes.

Public discourse: By publicly addressing Benson’s role, the measure may influence media and constituent perceptions regarding Benson’s connections to SPLC.

Non-binding effect: As a resolution, it does not create new statutory requirements or authorize enforcement actions; it expresses the chamber’s viewpoint and requests submission of information.

Political dynamics: The close roll-call result suggests a partisan or closely divided stance on the issue within the chamber, which could influence future actions or counter-resolutions.

Notes

No monetary penalties, regulatory changes, or new duties are created by this resolution.

The resolution centers on information disclosure and public communication rather than establishing statutory oversight or investigative powers.