The Indiana Senate has approved a bill to prohibit state universities from setting mandatory retirement ages for school administrators.

Senators voted 49-1 in favor of the bill Monday, sending it to the House for consideration. The bill would overturn policies that forced administrators at Indiana University and Purdue University to step down when they reach 65.

Bill sponsor Sen. Brent Steele of Bedford says he doesn't believe it makes sense to remove experienced people just because of their age.

Steele says he filed the bill after learning the policy was forcing out a dean at IU's law school in Indianapolis. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Chancellor Michael Wartell also faces mandatory retirement, and faculty members want him to remain in the position he's held since 1994.