Scarnati demands residency verification from new senator

HARRISBURG — State Senate President Pro-Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, has asked Democratic Sen.-elect Lindsey Williams to provide more documentation about her residency as Republicans decide whether to block her from taking her seat next year.

In the weeks before the November election, Republicans backed an unsuccessful legal effort to get her kicked off the ballot on the grounds that she did not meet the residency requirements outlined in the state constitution, which says that lawmakers must live in the state for at least four years. A judge dismissed the case.

Ms. Williams, who has repeatedly said she does meet the requirements, won election in the 38th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Pittsburgh and its northern suburbs.

In a letter dated Thursday, Mr. Scarnati said he questions “your qualification to be sworn in to serve in accordance with the Constitutional requirements.” He gave her seven days to provide copies of her driver’s license, employment history, tax withholdings, home purchase or rental agreements, and any other information she deems relevant.

He said she may request a hearing before a panel of senators. He said she may receive pay, hire employees and do other administrative duties during December, but if the Senate decides not to seat her in January, she will have to repay her salary.