Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986

(Measure passed Senate, amended)

Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to remove the existing 70-year upper age limit of the class to which the discrimination prohibitions apply, thus extending coverage to all individuals who are at least 40 years of age.

Removes the 69-year upper age limit for group health plan coverage.

Allows any State or local government or any interstate agency to refuse to hire or to discharge any individual because of age if such action is taken with respect to the employment of an individual as a firefighter or law enforcement officer. Defines "firefighter" and "law enforcement officer" for the purpose of such Act. Repeals this provision on December 31, 1993.

Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to conduct a study to determine whether physical and mental fitness tests are valid measurements of the ability and competence of police officers and fire-fighters. Requires the Secretary to submit the results of such study, along with recommendations, to the Congress.

Permits the compulsory retirement of tenured faculty who have attained 70 years of age. Repeals this provision on December 31, 1993.

Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to study the potential consequences of eliminating mandatory retirement on institutions of higher education.

Delays the effect of this Act for employees under a collective bargaining contract until January 1, 1990, or the termination of such contract, if earlier.

Provides that the amendments made with respect to firefighters and law enforcement officers shall not apply with respect to any cause of action arising under such Act as in effect before January 1, 1987.