Senate Bill 237 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Ethics, Certain research and development activities of public institutions of higher education not covered by ethics laws

Summary

SB237 would ensure Alabama public colleges and universities are not limited by state ethics laws when pursuing grants, conducting research, collaborating, engaging in technology transfer, and handling intellectual property according to institutional policy.

What This Bill Does

SB237 adds Section 36-25-1.4 to the Code of Alabama 1975. It states that ethics laws shall not limit public institutions of higher education or their public servants from accepting and awarding grants, conducting research, collaborating, entering into technology transfer agreements, and developing, protecting, and sharing intellectual property under institution policy. This means these activities would be governed by the institutions' policies rather than general ethics rules. The act becomes effective on June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Public institutions of higher education in Alabama (colleges and universities) would be able to accept/award grants, conduct research, collaborate, engage in technology transfer, and manage intellectual property under their own policies.
• Public servants within those institutions (administrators, researchers, and staff) would be able to participate in these activities consistent with institutional policy, without being constrained by ethics laws in the listed contexts.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 36-25-1.4 to the Code of Alabama 1975 to state that ethics laws do not limit certain activities by public institutions of higher education and their public servants.
• Specifies activities covered: accepting and awarding grants, conducting research, collaborating with others, entering into technology transfer agreements, and developing, protecting, and sharing intellectual property by agreement according to institution policy.
• Provides that the act becomes effective on June 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Government Administration