DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 178 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Jackson
Abstract: Prohibits the denial of the right to hold public office or public employment based on age
and provides for the removal of the mandatory retirement age for all judges.
Present constitution requires that no judge may remain in office beyond his 70th birthday. This
provision allows a judge to complete the current term if he attains 70 years of age while in office.
Proposed constitutional amendment repeals the mandatory retirement age of judges.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides that no person shall be denied the right to hold public
office or public employment based solely on age.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held
Oct. 12, 2019.
(Amends Const. Article V, §23; Adds Const. Article X, §31)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the original bill:
1. Remove the term "solely" from the ballot language.
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
engrossed bill:
1. Change the ballot language to reflect the removal of the existing mandatory retirement
age for judges and to specify the prohibition of a mandatory retirement age for public
office holders and public employees.