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

Plain English Breakdown

The official text does not explicitly name 'Alabama' in Section 1's definition of who is affected, though it adds a section to the Code of Alabama. The summary assumes this context based on the bill title.

Exempting University Research from Ethics Law Limits

This law states that Alabama ethics rules do not stop public universities and their staff from doing research, accepting grants, or creating new business deals.

What This Bill Does

• Adds a new section to the Code of Alabama called Section 36-25-1.4.
• Says ethics laws cannot limit how public colleges accept money for research projects.
• Allows universities and their workers to work with people inside or outside the school on studies.
• Permits schools to sign deals that turn new ideas into products, protect them, or share intellectual property by agreement in accordance with institution policy.
• Lets universities create special groups under Title 10A laws to help start businesses based on their research.

Who It Names or Affects

• Public institutions of higher education
• Public officials working at these schools
• Public employees working at these schools

Terms To Know

Code of Alabama 1975

The official book that lists all the state laws for Alabama.

Technology transfer agreements

Contracts mentioned in the law regarding commercializing, protecting, and sharing intellectual property.

Title 10A

The part of Alabama law under which universities can organize new entities to promote innovation.

Limits and Unknowns

• This rule only applies if the university follows its own internal policies.
• The new rules start on June 1, 2026, so they do not work before that date.
• Entities created under Title 10A must be consistent with the institution's mission.

Official Summary Text

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

Current Bill Text

SB237 ENGROSSED
Page 0
SB237
DGMP3HN-2
By Senators Singleton, Hatcher, Figures, Coleman,
Coleman-Madison, Stewart, Orr
RFD: Judiciary
First Read: 29-Jan-26
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SB237 Engrossed
Page 1
First Read: 29-Jan-26
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to government ethics; to add Section 36-25-1.4
to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide that the ethics laws
do not limit certain research and development activities
conducted by public institutions of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. Section 36-25-1.4 is added to the Code of
Alabama 1975, to read as follows:
§36-25-1.4
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to limit or
restrict the ability of public institutions of higher
education, along with the public officials and public
employees within the institutions, to:
(1) Accept and award grants and contracts, conduct
research, collaborate with persons both within and outside the
institution, enter into technology transfer agreements, and
otherwise commercialize, protect, and share intellectual
property by agreement in accordance with institution policy;
and
(2) Establish one or more entities organized under
Title 10A to promote innovation and commercialization
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SB237 Engrossed
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Title 10A to promote innovation and commercialization
consistent with the institution's mission.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on June 1,
2026.
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SB237 Engrossed
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2026.
Senate
Read for the first time and referred
to the Senate committee on Judiciary
................29-Jan-26
Read for the second time and placed
on the calendar:
0 amendments
................25-Feb-26
Read for the third time and passed
as amended
Yeas 35
Nays 0
Abstains 0
................10-Mar-26
Patrick Harris,
Secretary.
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