SB263 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

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

SB263 would allow 18-year-olds to consent to participate in certain college or university research, instead of waiting until 19.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Alabama law to let people aged 18 or older consent to participate in research conducted by accredited colleges or universities if the research is approved by the institution's Institutional Review Board (IRB). It also updates other age references by changing laws that say 'under the age of 21' to 'under the age of 19', and it preserves a provision allowing veterans who are under 19 to buy a motor vehicle. The act would take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• 18-year-olds and other adults 18–19 in Alabama, who would be able to consent to participate in IRB-approved college/university research.
• College and university researchers and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), who would implement and oversee consent processes for 18-year-old participants.
• State laws and legal practitioners, due to changing references from 'under the age of 21' to 'under the age of 19' in various sections.
• Honorably discharged veterans under 19, who would still be allowed to enter into a contract to purchase a motor vehicle.

Key Provisions

• Adds a provision that a person 18 years of age or older may consent to participate in research conducted by an accredited college or university if the research has IRB approval.
• Amends Section 26-1-1 to designate 18 as the age for consenting to participate in such research, while otherwise maintaining the existing framework of the age of majority.
• Replaces references to 'under the age of 21 years' with 'under the age of 19 years' in laws that govern the rights and abilities of minors.
• Retains a provision that an honorably discharged veteran under 19 may purchase a motor vehicle.
• Effective date: immediate 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