Alabama amendment would do away with age limits for trustees
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama voters on Nov. 8 will have their say on 14 proposed statewide amendments to the Alabama Constitution. Amendment 13 on the ballot would — with the exception of judicial offices— do away with maximum age limits for elected or appointed office.
Here’s a look at Amendment 13:
WHAT DOES THE AMENDMENT DO?
The amendment would do away with any law that imposes a maximum age restriction on the election or appointment of a public official with the exemption of the state’s age limits for state judges. It would also prevent the Legislature from passing any future law that puts a maximum age restriction on the election or appointment of a public official.
WHAT POSITIONS WOULD BE IMPACTED?
Mostly trustees at public universities. The University of Alabama and Auburn University both have age limits for trustees. The state constitution currently requires Alabama trustees to retire from the board at the annual meeting after they turn 70. Appointees to the Auburn University board must be under the age of 70.
WHAT DO SUPPORTERS SAY?
House Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston, who sponsored the legislation, said trustee selection should be based on a person’s ability and willingness to serve, not their age. “I see a lot of people who are 70 and older practicing law and running businesses,” Gaston said.
DOES THIS AFFECT ROY MOORE?
No. It does not impact the state’s age limit for state judges. Gaston’s original bill also would have removed age limits for judicial candidates. However, senators changed the legislation to keep the age restriction in place. State law says that no person shall be elected or appointed to a judicial office after reaching the age 70. A state ethics panel suspended Moore for the remainder of his term and Moore will be over 70 at the next election.