Senate Democrats File Lawsuits Seeking to Block Enforcement of Senate Resolution 334

HARRISBURG, PA -October 9, 2024 − Today, four members of the Senate Democratic Caucus filed suit in Commonwealth Court against President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Senator Joe Pittman, and Senator Jarret Coleman in order to halt a subpoena compelling Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne from turning over sensitive taxpayer data. Yesterday, Senate Resolution 334 was adopted 28-22 ordering the Sergeant-at-Arms to bring Pat Browne before the Senate.

Senators Jay Costa, Vincent Hughes, Tina Tartaglione, and Nikil Saval joined forces to file suit in Commonwealth Court to challenge the subpoena issued by the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, noting that the Senators were asked to take an illegal vote compelling the Secretary of Revenue to violate a taxpayer's private records; to ask the Court to enjoin enforcement of the subpoena; and to ask the court to hear the matter expeditiously.

<"We have been clear from the beginning that Senate Resolution 334 is inappropriate and should not be enforced," said Senator Costa. "A resolution cannot and must not override the rule of law, specifically Act 24 of 2021. Secretary Browne is following the law as it is written. The lawsuits brought by my colleagues and me support Pat Browne in his following the rule of law."

Footage of Senator Costa's remarks during the floor debate on SR 334 is available here.

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