Lawmaker Julie Casemiro Moved 1,000 Miles Away, and She's Still Getting Paid.

Rhode Island state Rep. Julie Casimiro (D) moved to South Carolina earlier this summer.

She is still keeping her title in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Casimiro, a Democrat representing District 31 in North Kingstown and Exeter, moved to Hardeeville, South Carolina, and established the property as her primary residence on July 1.

Despite the move, Casimiro says she plans to finish the remainder of her term.

That means she will continue receiving her legislative salary and health insurance while representing a district located roughly 1,000 miles from her new home.

The Rhode Island General Assembly is a part-time legislature, and its regular 2026 session ended in June. But lawmakers could still return to Providence this fall, including for a possible vote on Gov. Dan McKee's nominee to the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Casimiro has said she will return to Rhode Island when necessary and plans to continue working with constituents remotely.

The move has now drawn questions from House leadership.

House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski said Casimiro should consider resigning if she no longer meets the state's residency requirements for elected officials.

Casimiro has pushed back, arguing that resigning would leave District 31 without representation until the next election.

For now, she remains listed as the representative for District 31 on the Rhode Island General Assembly's website.

The larger question is whether a Rhode Island lawmaker can continue serving after moving out of state. That question may ultimately have to be answered by state officials or the House itself.

But until then, Casimiro remains in office.

She just lives in South Carolina.