PIERCEFIELD -- The state senate has approved legislation amending state law to allow the town of Piercefield to elect a town justice who is not a town resident.

The legislation, which was requested by the town, was sponsored by Sen. Betty Little of the 45th Senate District. In St. Lawrence County, Little represents Parishville, Lawrence, Clare, Colton, Hopkinton and Piercefield.

No registered voter in the town has run for the town justice position in several years, according to a town board resolution in March. The lack of candidates has forced the temporary appointment of a justice by the district administrative judge.

“State law paints with a broad brush and oftentimes it is the smaller communities that have difficulty meeting requirements like this one,” said Little. “This change in law provides an exemption for Piercefield based on a need.”

The legislation, S.3933, would authorize the town to elect a town justice who is not a resident or elector of the town. If the legislation passes, the town justice could live in a neighboring town or county.

The legislation has moved to the assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblywoman Janet Duprey of the 115th district, which includes Brasher, Hopkinton, Lawrence and Piercefield.