Proposition 13 Retirement Age for State Judges

Proposition 13 on the November ballot will increase the mandatory age of retirement for state judges and Justices.

Under Texas law, A state judge retires at the end of his when he or she turns 75 and allows the state legislature to set a lower mandatory retirement age of not less than 70.

Arguments for Prop 13 say people are living longer and experienced judges should be allowed to continue to serve as long as they are willing and capable, and allowing judges to serve longer may result in a more predictable and stable judiciary.

Arguments against the proposition are extending the age limit will keep the Texas judiciary from reflecting the demographics of the current Texas population. 

Also, an argument against is that retired judges are still eligible to serve as visiting judges so retired state judges can continue to work if they choose.