Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed a bill allowing judges to remain on the bench longer.

The new law will take effect July 1. It increases the retirement age for Kansas Supreme Court justices from 70 to 75. It also allows those who turn 75 to serve the remainder of their current terms before stepping down.

The retirement age for Court of Appeals and district court judges already is 75, but the new law will allow them to finish out their terms once they reach that age.

Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor and stand for retention every six years.

Supporters of the change say the judiciary is the only position in state government with a mandatory retirement age. They also say people in general are working longer.