Topeka ? The Kansas Senate rejected a bill Wednesday abolishing the mandatory retirement age for Kansas Supreme Court justices and other judges.

The bill was defeated 24-16 on final action.

Currently, justices are appointed to the Kansas Supreme Court and stand for retention until they reach age 70. They must then retire when they would next stand for voter approval.

The bill debated Wednesday would eliminate that age limit, similar to appointments to the federal court system.

The House approved a version of the bill in February. It’s unlikely to be revived by the Senate, but Sen. Terry Bruce, a Hutchinson Republican and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said negotiators could include the issue when they finalize other judicial bills.