Committee advances measure to remove mandatory retirement age for high sheriffs

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted to recommend a constitutional amendment that would remove the mandatory retirement age for high sheriffs, a measure supporters said restores voters’ choice.

Representative Jennifer Rhodess, who introduced CACR1, told the committee the age limit dates to the 18th century and that modern sheriffs perform largely administrative duties. Rockham County High Sheriff Charles MSU said mandatory retirement can strip institutions of experienced leaders and argued the electorate — not an age cutoff — should decide who serves.

Opponents cautioned that the office sometimes requires physical capacity; Representative Muse said there are real safety concerns in rare circumstances when a sheriff must act in the field. Proponents replied that voters can withhold support from a candidate they deem unfit and noted no other elected statewide offices carry age limits.

The committee motion carried on a roll call vote; the clerk recorded 75 votes in favor. The recommendation now moves through the standard constitutional amendment process, which requires further legislative approval and a referendum.

Supporters asked the legislature to consider the change as a matter of fairness and modern governance; opponents urged continued attention to public‑safety implications. The committee did not attach implementation conditions; if the amendment proceeds it will require the constitutionally mandated subsequent approvals and ultimately voter adoption.