Representative introduces bill to remove statutory retirement age for university professors
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Summary
A presenter identified for the record as Mark Maffali asked the committee to remove a state statute that set a mandatory retirement age of 70 for university professors (Act 532), saying federal law currently preempts that requirement and the change is a corrective measure.
A presenter who identified himself for the record as Mark Maffali introduced a short form bill (referred to in committee as Act 532) to remove language in state statute that set a mandatory retirement age of 70 for university professors.
Committee discussion explained the provision dates from an earlier era and has been effectively preempted by federal law for more than a decade. The presenter characterized the change as a correction to bring state code into alignment with applicable federal standards so that no statutory age limit remains on university faculty retirement.
Members raised concerns and legal context: some said if federal protections were ever altered, the presence of the state provision could create problems, and others noted age‑based mandatory retirement is viewed as discriminatory. Committee members called the change a formality to resolve an outdated conflict between state code and federal law, but also noted the need to be mindful of discrimination law and potential legal avenues should federal standards change in the future.
No formal motion or vote was taken during the session. Committee members thanked the presenter and indicated they would consider the statutory cleanup in future committee business.
