SB79 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Colleges and universities, age of majority designated as 18 years for participation in research, Sec. 26-1-1 am'd.

Summary

Alabama would allow 18-year-olds to consent to participate in certain college or university research, rather than waiting until age 19.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes the age of majority only for consent to participate in certain college/university research. It allows an 18-year-old to consent if the study is approved by the institution's Institutional Review Board and the college/university is accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency. It does not alter the general age of majority for other rights, which remains 19. The change would take effect immediately after the governor signs the bill.

Who It Affects

• 18-year-old Alabama residents who may be able to consent to participate in college/university research that is IRB-approved and conducted at an accredited institution.
• Colleges/universities and their Institutional Review Boards that oversee such research and rely on valid consent from 18-year-old participants.

Key Provisions

• Amends age of majority to 18 for the purpose of consenting to participate in certain college/university research.
• Requires the research to be approved by the institution's Institutional Review Board and conducted at an accredited college or university.
• Effective immediately upon the Governor's signature.
• General age of majority for other legal rights remains 19; the change is limited to research consent.

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

Subjects

Minors