Republicans in Pennsylvania have asked Democratic Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams to prove she meets the residency requirements to serve in the state Senate, and may try to block her from taking her seat after her election win last month.
The state constitution holds that lawmakers must live in the state for four years. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, a Republican, has asked Williams to hand over copies of her driver’s licenses, employment history, tax withholdings, home purchase or rental agreements, and other documents to show she meets that requirement, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
In a letter Thursday, Scarnati said he questions Williams’ “qualification to be sworn in to serve in accordance with the constitutional requirements,” and gave her seven days to provide the documents he deemed necessary.
Republicans mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge ahead of the November elections in an attempt to get Williams kicked off the ballot over residency requirements.
Williams, who won the election in the 38th Senatorial District, which encompasses part of Pittsburgh, has maintained that she meets the requirements.
Scarnati said Williams can continue to do her administrative duties throughout December, including collecting a paycheck, but said that she will have to repay her salary if the Senate decides not to seat her in January.
