Roy Moore Interview

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore talks in an interview Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, in Montgomery, Ala. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com)

(JULIE BENNETT)

They say that age is just a number. That's not true, however, when it comes to judicial positions in Alabama.

Under current law, no one can be elected or appointed to a judicial office in Alabama after reaching the age of 70. State Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, wants to change the age requirement, however.

Whatley has pre-filed a bill that would raise the maximum age limit for state judges from 70 to 75.

What would that mean? Most obviously, it would mean Alabama's controversial Chief Justice Roy Moore, who just turned 68, would be able to run for another term of office when his current term ends in 2018. Or, Moore could opt to make another run for the governor's office when Bentley leaves that same year.

It's an interesting turn of events.

The legislature goes back into session March 3. In addition to Whatley's age limit bill, there are several other interesting items in the Senate ranging from laws regarding how far away motorists must stay when they are passing a bicyclist to another ensuring schools can still teach students about "traditional winter celebrations," such as Christmas.

Business isn't as brisk on the House side. There are currently only 12 pre-filed bills in the lower chamber. Those bills cover topics including religious expression in schools, penalties for those who falsely claim to have received military honors and allowing municipalities to license and operate Alabama Beverage Control Boards.

Corrected Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to show Sen. Whatley is a Republican.