Does the ADEA cover state and local governments?

Does the ADEA cover state and local governments?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only state governments
• D. Only local governments

Answer: (A)

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects individuals 40 and older from discrimination by employers, and its scope includes state and local government employers. This means state agencies, counties, cities, and other local government entities must follow the same rules against age bias as private employers. The Act defines “employer” broadly to cover these government bodies, so they can’t make age-based employment decisions in hiring, firing, promotion, pay, or other terms and conditions of employment. Enforcement is through the EEOC (with state agencies often involved). Note that the federal government is governed by separate federal-sector provisions, but for state and local governments, the ADEA does apply. Therefore, the correct answer is Yes.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects individuals 40 and older from discrimination by employers, and its scope includes state and local government employers. This means state agencies, counties, cities, and other local government entities must follow the same rules against age bias as private employers. The Act defines “employer” broadly to cover these government bodies, so they can’t make age-based employment decisions in hiring, firing, promotion, pay, or other terms and conditions of employment. Enforcement is through the EEOC (with state agencies often involved). Note that the federal government is governed by separate federal-sector provisions, but for state and local governments, the ADEA does apply. Therefore, the correct answer is Yes.