Bill Would Allow Early Forced Retirements

A bill before Congress could allow state and local agencies to force people like 57-year-old Boise Police Sgt. James Shippy to retire.

“I don’t feel I’m ready to retire,” said Shippy, who has been an officer for 37 years. “My team, myself and the five officers working for me, we have 145 years of experience.”

The bill that won House approval Tuesday would allow forced retirement for police officers and firefighters at age 55 or older.

It also would let departments use age-based criteria in hiring and in retirement plans, and would exempt those agencies from the 1967 Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

Supporters say those jobs are strenuous and employees must be able to perform.