HB348 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mark Tuggle
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Age of majority, designated as 18 years for participation in college or university research, Sec. 26-1-1 am'd.
Summary: HB348 creates an exception to the general age rule by allowing 18-year-olds to consent to participate in certain college/university research, with IRB approval, while the general age of majority remains 19.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 26-1-1 to designate an 18-year-old as eligible to consent to participate in specified college or university research. It requires that such research be approved by the institution's Institutional Review Board (IRB). It also updates language throughout related laws from 'under the age of 21' to 'under the age of 19' and clarifies related provisions. The act becomes effective immediately upon the governor's approval.

Who It Affects
18-year-olds and older in Alabama would be able to consent to participate in college/university research if the IRB approves the study.
Colleges, universities, and their Institutional Review Boards, which would review and approve research to permit 18-year-olds to participate.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 26-1-1 to create an exception designating 18 years as eligible to consent for participation in certain college/university research, subject to IRB approval.
Allows a person who is 18 years or older to consent to participate in such research notwithstanding other general age provisions.
Replaces references to 'under the age of 21 years' with 'under the age of 19 years' in related laws, where applicable.
Effective date: immediately upon passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Age of Majority