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Kay Ivey
50.1%
#21 of 50

Kay Ivey

Alabama R | 2nd elected term
2017-04-10Took Office 9 yrs, 2 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 828 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

216/300
72%

Section B: State Outcomes

515/975
53%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+97 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 216/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Budgets submitted on time every year since 2017. FY2027 executive budget ($10.47B ETF, $3.67B GF) submitted Jan 14, 2026. FY2026 record budgets signed May 2025. Nine consecutive on-time submissions.
AL Governor's Office Budget Publications; AL Constitution Art. IV §72
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
FY2026 ETF revenue at $9.9B and GF at $3.7B exceeded initial forecasts. Revenue growth slowed to ~2% in FY2025 from 6%+ in FY2023. FY2027 ETF max allowable set at $10.47B. Forecasts generally within acceptable variance.
AL Legislative Fiscal Office Revenue Reports; AL Finance Director Estimates
2
Rainy day fund management
Budget Stabilization Fund maintained but remains below recommended 5-10% of GF expenditures. State net position grew by $2.3B in FY2023 to $31.8B total per ACFR. Conservative approach preserves reserves but no aggressive buildup despite record revenues.
AL State Comptroller ACFR 2023; NASBO Fiscal Survey of States
2
State credit rating trajectory
Moody's Aa1 and S&P AA stable outlook maintained throughout tenure. Alabama ranked 6th lowest composite debt nationally (2024). State debt per capita ~$6,189, well below national average. No upgrade but stable; conservative fiscal management keeps ratings intact.
S&P Global Ratings — State of Alabama; Moody's — Alabama (State of); Tax Foundation 2024
2
Pension funding ratio trajectory
RSA total assets reached ~$32.5B after $5.7B investment income in 2024. TRS funded ratio fell from 70.7% (2021) to 65.1% (Sep 2023); ERS dropped from 62% to 57%. Both in 'yellow zone.' RSA seeking more state funding in FY2026. Below 80% target despite strong investment returns.
AL RSA Annual Reports 2024; TRS/ERS Actuarial Valuations; Alabama Daily News Jan 2025
2
Debt per capita trajectory
Alabama state debt $10.44B total (FY2024). Per capita state/local debt ~$6,189, ranked 6th lowest nationally. However, $785M in bonds issued for prison construction (2021) added notable new debt. Government debt ratio 11.578% of GDP, among lowest in nation.
Statista FY2024; Tax Foundation; AL State Treasurer Debt Reports
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
FY2023 ACFR published March 2024 within statutory deadlines. State received GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Net position $31.8B, up $2.3B. No delayed filings during tenure.
AL State Comptroller ACFR 2023; GFOA Certificate Program
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
No adverse audit opinions under Dept. of Examiners of Public Accounts. FY2023 ACFR received unmodified (clean) opinion. FY2024 Single Audit (Oct 2023-Sep 2024) has compliance findings but no material weaknesses at statewide level. Minor agency-level findings only.
AL Examiners of Public Accounts; FY2024 Single Audit Report
2
Federal grant fund accounting
FY2024 Single Audit completed. Alabama received $1.4B BEAD broadband allocation — final proposal submitted Nov 2025 at avg $5,100/location, $800M below initial estimate. ARPA funds deployed including controversial $400M to prison construction. Broadband deployment pace delayed nationally, not just AL.
AL Single Audit Report; NTIA BEAD Program; Federal Audit Clearinghouse
2
Anti-fraud controls
Alabama blocked $5B+ in fraudulent UI claims during pandemic (mostly PUA program). Still paid $533.3M in fraudulent claims Apr 2020-Mar 2021 per DOL. Improper payment rate 20.34% (Jul 2019-Jun 2022). Controls adequate — blocked far more than paid out.
DOL OIG Reports; AL Department of Labor; Ballotpedia UI Fraud Data
2
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Balanced budgets every year. FY2026 records: $3.7B GF (+10%), $9.9B ETF (+6%). FY2027 proposed: $10.47B ETF (max allowable), $3.67B GF. Revenue growth slowed from 6%+ (FY2023) to ~2% (FY2025) but no deficits. ETF grew from $6.4B (FY2017) to nearly $10B.
AL Legislative Fiscal Office; AL Finance Director; Governor's Budget Office
2
Capital budget execution rate
Rebuild Alabama Act (2019): first gas tax increase in 27 years, 10-cent phased increase generating $145M+ for local projects in all 67 counties. ATRIP-II allocates $30M+/yr. Prison construction: $1.3B plan signed Oct 2021 — Elmore County prison costs exceeded $1B, behind original timeline. $785M in bonds plus $400M ARPA.
ALDOT Project Status Reports; Rebuild Alabama Grant Records; ADOC Construction Updates
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
No major vendor/contractor scandals. Prison construction contracts (CoreCivic, $1B+ Elmore facility) proceeded without corruption findings. Austal USA $750M expansion in Mobile included $115M to 259 AL-based suppliers. Standard procurement per AL Competitive Bid Law.
AL Department of Finance Procurement Division; ADOC Construction Contracts
3
Federal funding maximization
Alabama has NOT expanded Medicaid — 1 of 10 holdout states. ~100,000-107,000 adults in coverage gap; uninsured rate would drop 43% with expansion. Leaves ~$1.5-2B/yr in federal matching funds uncaptured. Otherwise captures IIJA ($5.53B), BEAD ($1.4B), and formula grants.
KFF Medicaid Expansion Data; CMS FMAP; NTIA BEAD; USASpending.gov — Alabama
1
Program eligibility verification
Mandatory E-Verify for all employers under HB 56 and SAVE system for benefits provide strong verification framework. Standard SNAP/Medicaid QC error rates. No systemic eligibility fraud scandals. One of only 4 states with universal E-Verify mandate.
AL Medicaid Agency Reports; USDA FNS QC Data — Alabama; HB 56 provisions
3
Signature legislation enacted
Rebuild Alabama Act (2019): first gas tax increase in 27 years, 10-cent increase indexed to construction costs. 'Game Plan' (2023): 4-bill economic development package renewing Jobs Act/Growing Alabama through 2028, SEEDS Act for site development. $1.3B prison construction (Oct 2021 special session). But gambling/lottery failed repeatedly — Senate killed bills in 2024 and 2025.
AL Legislature Bill Tracking; Governor's Office Press Releases
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden across entire tenure (2017-present). GOP supermajority (R 77-28 House, R 27-8 Senate) ensures alignment. Ivey rarely vetoes — uses signing statements and line-item veto sparingly instead.
AL Legislature Journal; Governor's Veto Records
3
Bipartisan bills signed
R supermajority (77-28 House, 27-8 Senate) limits bipartisan need. Rebuild Alabama Act gas tax passed with some D support. Human Life Protection Act (HB 314, May 2019) near-total abortion ban was party-line. Literacy Act (2019) had broader support. Limited D input on most legislation.
AL Legislature Vote Records; HB 314; AL Literacy Act 2019
2
Special sessions called
Called Oct 2021 special session for $1.3B prison construction — legislature passed package ($785M bonds + $400M ARPA). Session productive: bills signed same week. No failed special sessions during tenure. Regular sessions also completed on time annually.
AL Governor's Office Executive Orders; Oct 2021 Special Session Records
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
No executive orders struck down. COVID Stay-at-Home order (Apr 2020) transitioned to Safer-at-Home (Apr 30, 2020) quickly. State of emergency ended Jul 6, 2021. EO 734 (Jan 2023) on transparency was praised. No constitutional challenges to any executive order succeeded.
AL Court Records; Governor's Executive Orders; EO 734 (2023)
2
Line-item veto usage
AL Constitution Art. V §53 grants line-item veto on appropriations. Ivey used sparingly — no line-item vetoes overridden. Budgets typically passed with governor's priorities intact given R supermajority alignment. FY2026 budgets signed without line-item vetoes.
AL Constitution Art. V §53; Governor's Budget Actions
2
Regulatory burden change
Alabama ranks among most business-friendly states for regulatory burden. Game Plan (2023) Enhancing Transparency Act added incentive disclosure requirements. Signed HB 272 (constitutional carry, Mar 2022) reducing gun permit regulation. Signed vaccine passport ban. No major new regulatory burdens imposed.
AL Administrative Code; Game Plan legislation; Mercatus Center regulatory data
3
Budget negotiation success
Budgets passed on time every year (2017-present). FY2026 ETF ($9.9B) and GF ($3.7B) sent to governor Apr 30, 2025, signed May 5, 2025. No government shutdowns or continuing resolutions needed. Governor's priorities (education funding, prison construction, pay raises) adopted consistently.
AL Legislature Session Records; Alabama Reflector May 2025
3
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed popular Rebuild Alabama Act (gas tax for roads), Literacy Act (2019), Game Plan economic package (2023), constitutional carry (HB 272). Gambling/lottery has ~60-70% public support but failed in Senate in both 2024 and 2025 — not due to governor veto but legislative deadlock.
AL Legislature Records; Public polling on gambling
2
Legislative relationship
Excellent relationship with R supermajority (77-28 House, 27-8 Senate). Key priorities adopted: Rebuild Alabama Act, Literacy Act, $1.3B prison plan, Game Plan, Working for Alabama (2024), constitutional carry. Budgets pass on time every year. Only major failure: gambling/lottery.
AL Legislature Session Productivity Records
3
Voter-approved measures implementation
Implemented voter-approved constitutional amendments on schedule including Amendment 930 (2022, non-citizen voting ban). Alabama voters passed 7 constitutional amendments in 2022 general election — all implemented. No delays or defiance of voter-approved measures.
AL Secretary of State 2022 Results; Governor's Implementation Records
2
Task force follow-through
Prison reform task force: DOJ still suing despite $1.3B construction plan — task force goals unmet. Broadband: $1.4B BEAD allocation received but no funds distributed as of Aug 2025 (national delays). Gambling study commission recommendations failed in legislature 2024/2025. Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (2020 report) partially implemented via Literacy Act.
AL Governor's Study Commission Reports; NTIA BEAD Program; AL Broadband Office
1
Policy reversals under pressure
Few reversals. Briefly imposed COVID Stay-at-Home (Apr 2020) then reopened May 2020 — moderate approach for Southern GOP governor. Pushed Literacy Act retention delay one year (2023-2024 school year start instead of 2022-2023) but maintained core policy. No major flip-flops.
Governor's Office Policy Records; COVID Executive Orders
2
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
Kent Davis (VA Commissioner) fired Oct 2024 after filing ethics complaint against Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell over $7M ARPA funds. Davis filed federal lawsuit (Jun 2025, USDC MDAL) alleging 1st/14th Amendment violations, defamation, wrongful termination. Board of VA stripped of authority via Mar 2025 legislation. No other major criminal issues.
Davis v. Ivey, USDC MDAL (Jun 2025); AL Ethics Commission
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency head positions generally filled. VA Commissioner vacancy after Davis firing (Oct 2024) created transition gap. New law (Mar 2025) gives governor direct hire/fire authority over VA commissioner, eliminating board appointment process. ADOC Commissioner John Hamm appointed 2022. Other agencies staffed.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; AL Act 2025 VA restructuring
2
State employee turnover
ADOC still needs 1,800+ officers to meet court mandate despite pay raises. Federal court ordered 75% staffing increase in 2021. Record academy graduates in 2025 after starting pay raised to $58K ($28/hr). Non-ADOC state employee turnover at moderate levels. Corrections staffing crisis dominates workforce picture.
AL State Personnel Department; ADOC Staffing Reports; Corrections1 Jan 2025
2
Diversity of appointments
Alabama is 27% Black per Census ACS but cabinet and senior appointments skew heavily white. Limited diversity in agency head positions. Created Dept. of Workforce (2025) with Greg Reed (white male) as secretary. No Black agency heads in major departments. Appointments reflect Republican base demographics rather than state demographics.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; Census ACS Alabama Demographics
1
Judicial appointment quality
Judicial appointments generally rated qualified by AL Bar. Filled vacancies in circuit and appellate courts without major controversies. No appointees removed by Judicial Inquiry Commission. AL Supreme Court remains all-Republican. Standard merit-based selection within partisan framework.
AL Judicial Inquiry Commission; AL State Bar Ratings
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Corrections officer starting pay raised to $58K ($28/hr) from below $35K pre-2023. 5% raise in 2023 plus $7,500 retention bonuses ($9.7M paid by FY2023 end). FY2026 budget includes additional state employee raises. But AL state worker pay still lags private sector and neighboring states. ADOC still 1,800+ officers short of court mandate.
ADOC Pay Schedule; AL State Personnel Department; Corrections1 reporting
1
Whistleblower protection
Kent Davis alleges firing was retaliation for ethics complaint against Mental Health Commissioner Boswell over $7M ARPA veterans' mental health funds. Board of VA voted to keep Davis; Ivey fired him anyway (Oct 2024). Legislature then stripped Board of VA's authority (Mar 2025). Federal lawsuit (Jun 2025) cites 1st/14th Amendment violations. Chilling effect on whistleblowing.
Davis v. Ivey, USDC MDAL (Jun 2025); Alabama Reflector Jun 2025
1
Inspector General independence
Dept. of Examiners of Public Accounts operates independently under legislative authority per AL Constitution Art. IV §136. No documented executive interference with audits. Chief Examiner appointed by legislative committee, not governor. Audit reports published publicly on website.
AL Examiners of Public Accounts; AL Constitution Art. IV §136
3
State employee morale
ADOC staff morale critically low — 1,800+ officer vacancies, officers smuggling drugs into prisons per DOJ findings, 94 excessive force lawsuits settled 2020-2024. Record academy graduates in 2025 after $58K starting pay shows improvement. Non-ADOC state agencies have moderate morale with no systemic crisis reported.
AL State Personnel Department; ADOC Staffing Reports; DOJ v. Alabama
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism violations. Ivey has no immediate family in state government. Succeeded Bentley (who resigned over personal scandal) — Ivey's transition was notably clean. Appointments based on political alignment but not family connections per AL Ethics Commission.
AL Ethics Commission Records; AL Code §36-25-14
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff charged with crimes during tenure. Clean contrast to predecessor Bentley (who resigned Apr 2017 amid ethics charges, felony plea). Ivey's chief of staff and senior team have no criminal records or indictments. No AG or federal investigations into staff.
AL Court Records; AL AG Records
3
Agency performance accountability
ADOC performance catastrophic — 277 deaths in 2024, 325 in 2023. Prison mortality rate 101.81/100K, nearly double next-worst state (Georgia 65.29). DOJ sued Dec 2020, trial pushed to 2026. ADOC spent $57M+ in legal costs since 2020. 124 lawsuits settled 2020-2024 (94 for excessive force). $5B total corrections spending over 5 years per Alabama Appleseed. No statewide performance accountability framework.
ADOC Death Records; DOJ v. Alabama (USDC NDAL); Alabama Appleseed 2025
1
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely declarations for all major events: Mar 2019 Lee County EF4 tornado (23 dead, 100+ injured) — state emergency declared same day, FEMA major disaster approved Mar 4. Hurricane Sally (Sep 2020) — declaration secured, $100M+ federal assistance approved. Multiple tornado outbreaks annually with prompt declarations.
AL EMA Records; FEMA DR-4563-AL (Sally); DR-4419-AL (Mar 2019)
3
FEMA assistance secured
Hurricane Sally (2020): $100M+ federal disaster assistance secured for Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile counties ($11M+ within first week). Lee County tornado (2019): major disaster declaration within 24 hours. Multiple FEMA Public Assistance awards throughout tenure for recurrent severe weather across all 67 counties.
FEMA PA Records — Alabama; DR-4563-AL; Governor's Office Oct 2020
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Budget Stabilization Fund provides buffer for emergencies. State net position $31.8B (FY2023 ACFR) with $22.1B in capital assets. Reserves adequate for tornado/hurricane response but not stress-tested by catastrophic event. FEMA cost-share typically covers 75% of major disasters, reducing state burden.
AL EMA; AL State Comptroller ACFR 2023; FEMA cost-share guidelines
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
Lee County EF4 tornado killed 23 (Mar 3, 2019) — deaths attributed to storm severity (170+ mph winds), not state failure; NWS warnings issued adequately. Hurricane Sally (2020) caused 3 AL deaths. EMA/NWS coordination for tornado warnings functional. No preventable deaths from emergency management failure. Prison deaths (277 in 2024) scored under corrections.
NWS Storm Data; AL EMA After-Action Reports; Lee County EF4 Review
3
Post-disaster recovery timeline
Hurricane Sally (2020) recovery: $100M+ in federal assistance distributed, Baldwin/Mobile counties rebuilt housing and infrastructure within 2-3 years. Lee County (2019) tornado recovery: Beauregard and Smiths Station communities rebuilt with FEMA Individual Assistance. Some rural areas slower due to poverty, but within normal FEMA PA closeout timelines.
FEMA PA Closeout Records — Alabama; DR-4563; DR-4419
2
Public health emergency response
COVID Stay-at-Home order Apr 2020, transitioned to Safer-at-Home Apr 30 (30 days). Reopened businesses at 50% capacity May 2020. State of emergency ended Jul 6, 2021. Signed vaccine passport ban. Urged vaccination Jul 2021: 'time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks.' Moderate approach — shorter lockdown than most states.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Alabama; Governor's COVID Orders; WashPost Jul 2021
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
No grid collapse, dam failure, or water system catastrophe during tenure. Alabama avoided Texas-style Feb 2021 grid failure. Rebuild Alabama Act (2019) 10-cent gas tax funds ongoing road/bridge maintenance. Only 3.4% of bridges structurally deficient (vs 7.5% national). No boil-water advisories at state level.
AL EMA Infrastructure Reports; FHWA NBI; ALDOT
3
National Guard deployment
AL National Guard deployed for Lee County tornado (2019), Hurricane Sally (2020), COVID-19 response (testing/vaccination sites). No inappropriate political deployments. Guard supported FEMA disaster operations effectively. No legal challenges to any Guard activation. Standard mutual aid with neighboring states.
AL National Guard Records; FEMA coordination records
3
Emergency communication
NWS Birmingham/Huntsville/Mobile offices coordinate with AL EMA for tornado warnings. Wireless Emergency Alert system covers most of state. Lee County tornado (2019) warnings issued 9+ minutes before impact. Hurricane Sally (2020) evacuations communicated through standard EMA channels. No communication failures documented during major events.
AL EMA Communications Records; NWS Birmingham Office
2
Interagency coordination
Multi-agency coordination for Lee County tornado (2019): EMA, FEMA, NWS, National Guard, Red Cross mobilized within hours. Hurricane Sally (2020): Baldwin/Escambia/Mobile county coordination effective — $100M+ in federal aid secured within 30 days. COVID response involved ADPH, National Guard, FEMA jointly. Standard ICS/NIMS framework used.
AL EMA After-Action Reports; FEMA coordination records
2
Pandemic response metrics
Alabama ranked 47th in vaccination rate — under 52% of adults received at least one dose vs ~68% national. Per capita COVID death rate among highest nationally. Less than 34% fully vaccinated by Jul 2021 when Ivey urged vaccination. Signed vaccine passport ban. Did not mandate masks for extended period. Outcomes significantly worse than national average.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Alabama; NPR Jul 2021; CDC Vaccination Data
1
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Alabama averages 50+ tornadoes/year and faces annual hurricane season. EMA maintains county-level coordination for all 67 counties. FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan in place. Storm shelter program active in high-risk areas. Multiple successful responses: 2019 tornadoes, Hurricane Sally 2020, 2021 tornado outbreaks. No preparedness failures documented.
AL EMA; FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan — Alabama
2
FOIA compliance rate
Ivey issued EO 734 (Jan 2023) requiring all executive agencies to establish public records portals, respond within 15 days (simple) or 45 days (complex), and cap fees at $0.50/page. Signed SB 270 (May 2024) — 'most significant amendment to AL public records law in 50+ years.' No major court findings of noncompliance.
EO 734 (Jan 2023); SB 270 (May 2024); AL Open Records Act
2
Governor schedule availability
Governor's schedule available on request but not proactively published daily on website. Public appearances have become less frequent as health concerns emerged — stage 1 lung cancer (2019, treated/cured), dehydration incident (Nov 2024 campaign event). Retirement rumors circulated in 2025. Lt. Gov. Ainsworth positioned as potential successor.
Governor's Office Website; WSFA Nov 2024; 256 Today 2025
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations documented. 2022 reelection campaign raised and spent legally per AL Secretary of State filings. Won general election with 67% of vote (over Democrat Yolanda Flowers). All required disclosures filed on time. No FEC or state enforcement actions.
AL Secretary of State Campaign Finance Records; 2022 Election Results
3
Financial disclosure completeness
Annual Statement of Economic Interest filed with AL Ethics Commission on time each year per AL Code §36-25-14. Disclosures cover income, assets, liabilities. No deficiencies noted by Ethics Commission. Former state treasurer (1975-1978, 2003-2011) — familiar with financial disclosure requirements.
AL Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure Records; AL Code §36-25-14
2
Open meetings compliance
No major Open Meetings Act violations by governor's office or executive agencies. AL Open Meetings Act (AL Code §36-25A) requires public notice and access. Board of Veterans Affairs meetings held publicly before restructuring (Mar 2025). No AG enforcement actions against executive branch.
AL AG Open Meetings Decisions; AL Code §36-25A
3
Open data portal
Alabama's open data portal (open.alabama.gov) has fewer than 100 searchable datasets vs hundreds in peer states (GA, NC, TX). No interactive budget visualization tool. EO 734 (2023) and SB 270 (2024) improved records access but did not mandate expanded open data. Lags significantly behind national best practices (e.g., Indiana, Ohio portals).
open.alabama.gov; NASBO open data benchmarks
1
Budget transparency
Executive budget books published as PDFs on budget.alabama.gov (FY2026 book: 300+ pages). Detailed line-item data available but not interactive. No performance-based budgeting dashboard linking spending to outcomes. Game Plan Enhancing Transparency Act (2023) requires Commerce Dept to publish incentive recipient data. Adequate but not best-in-class.
budget.alabama.gov; Game Plan Play 4 (Transparency Act)
2
Lobbying disclosure enforcement
AL Ethics Commission enforces lobbying disclosure per AL Code §36-25-18. Registered lobbyists file quarterly reports. Commission publishes lobbyist registration database online. Compliance adequate but enforcement resources limited. No major lobbying disclosure scandals during Ivey tenure.
AL Ethics Commission Lobbying Reports; AL Code §36-25-18
2
IG report publication
Dept. of Examiners of Public Accounts publishes audit reports on website per AL Constitution Art. IV §136. FY2023 ACFR received GFOA Certificate of Achievement. Reports cover all state agencies, universities, and local governments. Single Audit reports also published. Publication timely and accessible.
AL Examiners of Public Accounts Website; GFOA Certificate Program
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Executive branch generally cooperative with Examiners of Public Accounts (legislative auditor). No documented refusals to provide records or testimony. FY2024 Single Audit completed covering Oct 2023-Sep 2024 without obstruction. ADOC cooperates with audits despite ongoing DOJ litigation. No contempt findings.
AL Examiners of Public Accounts; Legislature Records; FY2024 Single Audit
2
Press conference accessibility
Governor Ivey holds limited press conferences — no regular weekly schedule. Media access restricted, especially after health concerns emerged (lung cancer 2019, dehydration Nov 2024). WBRC reported persistent health questions/rumors. Press Association praised SB 270 (records reform) but media access to governor personally remains limited. Age 80, retirement rumors ongoing.
AL Press Corps Reports; WBRC Aug 2022; Governor's Office Media Schedule
1
Contract transparency
State contracts available through Division of Purchasing but no comprehensive searchable online database. Game Plan Enhancing Transparency Act (2023) requires Commerce Dept to publish incentive recipients. Prison construction contracts ($1B+ Elmore facility) publicly awarded. Procurement follows AL Competitive Bid Law but centralized contract portal lacking.
AL Division of Purchasing; Game Plan Play 4; AL Competitive Bid Law
2
Court order compliance on transparency
No contempt findings or defiance of court orders on transparency. Complied with DOJ discovery in prison lawsuit (USDC NDAL). No court-ordered document productions resisted. SB 270 (2024) codified EO 734 transparency requirements into law, demonstrating proactive compliance approach.
Court Records; SB 270 (2024); DOJ v. Alabama discovery compliance
2
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges, grand jury investigations, or AG probes against Ivey in 9 years as governor (2017-present). Clean contrast to predecessor Robert Bentley who resigned Apr 2017 amid felony ethics charges and plea deal. No federal investigations. No special prosecutor appointments.
Court Records; AL AG; Bentley resignation Apr 10, 2017
3
Ethics complaints substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints against Ivey with AL Ethics Commission. Commission investigates complaints under AL Code §36-25 et seq. Zero findings of probable cause against the governor. Clean record across entire tenure despite Alabama's history of gubernatorial ethics issues (Bentley, Siegelman).
AL Ethics Commission Records; AL Code §36-25
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift/travel disclosures filed annually with AL Ethics Commission per AL Code §36-25-14. All filings compliant. No undisclosed gifts or travel reported by media or watchdog groups. Former state treasurer — experienced with financial disclosure requirements. No red flags identified. UPDATE (Mar 26, 2026): Ivey signed EO 743 prohibiting state-chartered banks from denying financial services based on customers' political views, beliefs, or lawful activities — protecting financial freedom and preventing political discrimination.
AL Ethics Commission Records; AL Code §36-25-14; Alabama Governor's Office EO 743 (Mar 26, 2026)
3
Conflict of interest
No documented conflicts of interest. Ivey holds no significant business interests that conflict with official duties per financial disclosures. Career public servant: state treasurer (1975-1978, 2003-2011), Lt. Governor (2011-2017), Governor (2017-present). No blind trust required due to minimal private holdings.
AL Ethics Commission Records; Financial Disclosure Filings
3
State resources for politics
No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. No Ethics Commission findings of state aircraft, staff, or facilities used for campaign activities. 2022 reelection campaign maintained separation between official and campaign functions. Contrast with Bentley who used state resources in personal scandal.
AL Ethics Commission Records; AL Code §36-25-5
3
Truthfulness in official statements
No official findings of false statements. Criticized for limited transparency about health — lung cancer diagnosis (2019) was disclosed but questions about cognitive fitness persist (WBRC Aug 2022). Dehydration incident at Nov 2024 event raised concerns. Office denies health issues. No perjury or official false statement findings.
Governor's Office Public Statements; WBRC Aug 2022; WSFA Nov 2024
3
Ethics infrastructure protection
Signed Mar 2025 law stripping Board of Veterans Affairs of most powers, reducing it to advisory role after board sided with fired Commissioner Kent Davis over Ivey. New law gives governor direct hire/fire authority over VA commissioner. Critics say this punished oversight body for independence. Davis's federal lawsuit (Jun 2025) alleges retaliation for ethics whistleblowing.
AL Act 2025 VA Restructuring; Davis v. Ivey (USDC MDAL Jun 2025)
1
Emoluments/self-dealing
No self-dealing or emoluments issues. Career public servant with minimal private business holdings. Governor's salary $127,845 (2024). No outside business income reported. No contracts steered to personal interests. Financial disclosures show standard investments only.
AL Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; AL Governor salary schedule
3
Donor-to-contract pipeline
No documented pattern of donor-to-contract steering. Prison construction contracts ($1.3B) awarded through competitive process. Game Plan incentives distributed through Commerce Dept with new transparency requirements (Play 4). No investigative reporting has identified pay-to-play patterns during Ivey tenure.
AL Ethics Commission; Campaign Finance Records; Procurement Records
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. No FARA registrations linked to governor's office. Austal USA (Australian parent company) operates $750M Mobile shipyard — standard defense contracting, not foreign influence. Alabama's HB 56 is one of nation's strictest anti-foreign-influence/immigration laws.
DOJ FARA Database; Austal USA operations
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims against Ivey or governor's office staff. Clean contrast to predecessor Bentley (who resigned over personal affair with aide and related misuse of office). No Title VII complaints, no settlements. State Personnel Dept records show no claims filed.
AL State Personnel Department Records; Title VII compliance records
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction or spoliation. AL Dept of Archives and History maintains state records retention schedules. Governor's office complies with archival requirements. No court orders for records preservation violated. No whistleblower allegations of document destruction.
AL Department of Archives and History; Records retention schedules
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations documented. AL Code §36-25-13 restricts former officials from lobbying for 2 years after leaving office. No enforcement actions against former Ivey administration officials. Standard transitions between government and private sector without documented violations.
AL Ethics Commission Records; AL Code §36-25-13
3
Fraud losses
Alabama blocked $5B+ in fraudulent pandemic UI claims but still paid $533.3M in fraud (Apr 2020-Mar 2021). Improper payment rate 20.34% (Jul 2019-Jun 2022). Non-UI state programs (Medicaid, SNAP) had standard error rates. No massive fraud scandals outside pandemic UI context.
DOL OIG Reports; AL Department of Labor; Ballotpedia UI Fraud — Alabama
2
Program integrity — eligibility verification
Mandatory E-Verify for ALL employers (1 of only 4 states: AL, AZ, MS, SC) under HB 56. SAVE system verification for all public benefits applications. Standard Medicaid/SNAP QC error rates per CMS and USDA reviews. No systemic eligibility fraud scandals in state programs.
AL Medicaid Agency; USDA FNS QC Data; HB 56 provisions
3
IT system modernization
Office of Information Technology manages state systems. Legacy mainframe systems remain in some agencies. No major IT failures, cyberattacks, or data breaches at state level during tenure. UI system handled pandemic surge (340K+ claims in spring 2020) without complete collapse. Broadband connectivity office established for BEAD program deployment.
AL Office of Information Technology; ADOL COVID UI data
2
Permit processing timeliness
Alabama ranked among most business-friendly states for permitting. Game Plan (2023) SEEDS Act streamlined site development for industrial projects. Five global automakers invested $15B+ in AL facilities. Unemployment 2.7% (Dec 2025) indicates strong business climate. Secretary of State business filings processed within standard timelines.
AL Secretary of State Business Filings; Game Plan SEEDS Act; Made in Alabama
2
Child welfare system
AL DHR preparing for CFSR Round 4 (state-led review Oct 2026-Mar 2027). Declines noted in Maltreatment in Foster Care, Permanency in 12 Months, and Reentry in Foster Care metrics. 720 children with relative placement goal (Oct 2024). Conducts 75 Onsite Service Reviews every 6 months. No catastrophic failures or federal sanctions.
ACF CFSR Round 4; AL DHR 2026 Annual Progress Report
2
Medicaid program management
AL Medicaid Agency operates within CMS guidelines covering ~1M enrollees (children, elderly, disabled). Standard improper payment rates. Has NOT expanded Medicaid — ~100,000-107,000 in coverage gap. Uninsured rate 8.4% (18th highest nationally). CHIP FCEP option adopted 2024 for prenatal care. Rural hospital closures ongoing concern.
CMS Medicaid Reviews — Alabama; AL Medicaid Agency; KFF coverage data
2
Environmental program
ADEM meets most EPA-delegated standards but faces EPA civil rights investigation over wastewater funding discrimination in Black Belt counties. ~90% of septic systems in rural Black Belt are failing — raw sewage in yards. State distributed $1.5B+ in Clean Water SRF since 1987 but $0 to onsite sanitation. NRDC filed Title VI complaint. EPA investigation launched 2024.
EPA State Program Evaluations — Alabama; NRDC Title VI Complaint; ADEM Reports
2
Transportation project delivery
Rebuild Alabama Act: $145M+ awarded for local projects in all 67 counties via RAA grants ($10M+/yr) and ATRIP-II ($30M+/yr). Gas tax indexed to highway construction cost index after 10-cent phase-in. $5.53B IIJA federal funds being deployed. Only 3.4% bridges structurally deficient (vs 7.5% national). 14% weight-restricted. 9% roads in unacceptable condition.
ALDOT Project Status Reports; FHWA NBI; IIJA Alabama allocations
2
Unemployment insurance system
Unemployment 2.7% (Dec 2025), well below national 4.3%. Record employment of 2,219,700. Average weekly wages at record $1,118.84 (up $65). UI system handled pandemic surge — processed 340K+ claims spring 2020 without complete failure. Blocked $5B+ in fraud. System adequate though not modernized.
BLS LAUS Dec 2025; DOL UI Performance Data — Alabama
2
Veterans services
VA Commissioner Kent Davis fired Oct 2024 after filing ethics complaint re: $7M ARPA funds for veterans' mental health. Board of VA voted to keep Davis; Ivey overrode board. Mar 2025 law stripped board's authority, made it advisory. Davis sued (Jun 2025, USDC MDAL) alleging 1st/14th Amendment violations. Leadership vacuum disrupted veterans' services during transition.
Davis v. Ivey (USDC MDAL Jun 2025); AL Board of Veterans Affairs; Alabama Reflector
1
Housing program effectiveness
Median home price ~$230K (well below national ~$320K). BEA RPP ~88 (12% below national avg). But Black Belt counties have severe substandard housing — ~90% septic failure rate, raw sewage exposure. EPA launched civil rights investigation into ADEM wastewater funding (2024). Limited state housing investment beyond federal programs. Homelessness lower than national avg per capita.
HUD PIT Count — Alabama; Census ACS Housing; BEA RPP; EPA ADEM investigation
1
Corrections system
CATASTROPHIC. DOJ sued Dec 2020 alleging unconstitutional 8th/14th Amendment violations — prisoner-on-prisoner violence, sexual abuse, excessive force. 277 deaths in 2024; 325 in 2023. Mortality rate 101.81/100K — nearly DOUBLE next-worst (GA 65.29). 105+ homicides since 2019; 49+ suicides. 124 lawsuits settled 2020-2024 (94 excessive force), $57M+ legal costs. $250K settlement after guards beat prisoner to death. 15,297 inmates in facilities designed for 9,882 (155% capacity). 1,800+ officer vacancies. Staff smuggling drugs. $5B total ADOC spending over 5 years. Trial pushed to 2026.
DOJ v. Alabama (USDC NDAL); ADOC Death Records; Alabama Appleseed 2025; Alabama Reflector 'Blood Money' investigation
0
Federal funding captured
Medicaid expansion refusal leaves ~$1.5-2B/yr uncaptured — AL 1 of 10 holdout states. ~100K-107K in coverage gap. Uninsured rate would drop 43% with expansion per KFF. Otherwise captures well: $5.53B IIJA, $1.4B BEAD broadband, ARPA funds deployed. Defense spending $14B/yr — Redstone Arsenal $36.2B economic impact. AL maximizes military/infrastructure funds but not health.
KFF Medicaid Data; NTIA BEAD; CMS FMAP; USASpending.gov — Alabama
1
Federal corrective action plans
DOJ v. Alabama (USDC NDAL, filed Dec 2020) ongoing — trial pushed to 2026. Federal court ordered 75% staffing increase (2021). $1.3B prison construction plan (Oct 2021) is state's corrective response but DOJ says insufficient. EPA civil rights investigation into ADEM wastewater funding (2024). No federal funding suspended but significant court-ordered remediation required.
DOJ v. Alabama (USDC NDAL); EPA ADEM investigation; Federal Court Orders
1
Interstate cooperation
Active in Southern Governors' Association. AL AG joined multi-state lawsuits supporting federal immigration enforcement. Participated in Gulf Coast hurricane mutual aid with MS, FL, LA. Interstate compacts on corrections, education (SARA/NC-SARA for higher ed reciprocity). Standard regional cooperation. No interstate disputes.
Southern Governors' Association; AL AG multi-state litigation; Interstate Compact Records
2
Local government relations
Generally cooperative with local governments. Rebuild Alabama Act distributes gas tax revenue to all 67 counties and municipalities. Some typical R-state preemption (minimum wage, sanctuary cities under HB 56). No major state-local lawsuits. Created Dept of Workforce (2025) with regional workforce councils. League of Municipalities relationship functional.
AL League of Municipalities; Rebuild Alabama Act distribution formula
2
Federal litigation costs
ADOC legal spending exceeded $57M since 2020 defending prison lawsuits. 124 lawsuits settled 2020-2024. $1.3B prison construction plan represents massive court-driven capital expenditure ($785M bonds + $400M ARPA). DOJ v. Alabama trial pushed to 2026 — ongoing defense costs. Davis v. Ivey (2025) adds additional federal litigation expense. Total federal litigation exposure: $1.4B+.
AL AG Litigation Budget; DOJ v. Alabama; Alabama Reflector 'Blood Money'
1
Constituent response
Governor's office maintains constituent services team handling calls, mail, and online requests. COVID-19 page (governor.alabama.gov) provided public updates. Governor's newsroom publishes press releases regularly. Standard response operations with no documented backlogs or systemic complaints about unresponsiveness.
Governor's Office Website; governor.alabama.gov constituent services
3
Town halls held
No regular town hall schedule. Public appearances increasingly limited — lung cancer treatment (2019), age 80, dehydration incident (Nov 2024). Retirement rumors in 2025. Governor's office relies on press releases and signing ceremonies rather than interactive public forums. Contrast with predecessors who held regional town halls.
Governor's Office Schedule; WSFA Nov 2024; Media Reports
1
Constituent satisfaction
Morning Consult: 62-64% overall approval, ranked 7th-8th most popular governor nationally. Highest approval in Southeast. 86%+ approval among Republican voters (highest nationally among GOP governors per 1819 News). Consistent 60%+ approval throughout tenure from 2017-present.
Morning Consult Governor Approval Tracking; 1819 News; Yellowhammer News
3
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance across state agencies. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against AL state government during Ivey tenure. AL Dept of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) maintains accessibility programs. Governor's website meets basic accessibility standards. No class-action ADA lawsuits against state.
DOJ ADA Reviews; AL ADRS; Section 508 compliance records
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2022 reelection with 66.9% vs Democrat Yolanda Flowers (29.2%) — 37.7-point landslide. Won 2018 election with 59.5%. Succeeded Bentley via constitutional succession (Apr 10, 2017) as Lt. Governor. Term-limited; cannot run again in 2026. Strong mandate from voters throughout tenure.
AL Secretary of State — 2018 and 2022 General Election Results
3

Section B — State Outcomes 515/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BLS LAUS: unemployment 2.7% (Dec 2025), well below national 4.3%. Record employment of 2,219,700. Average weekly wages up $65 to record $1,118.84. BEA: GDP growth modest but positive. However, median household income ~$56K (below national ~$75K). Per capita income remains bottom 5 nationally.
Census: AL population 5,157,699 (July 2024), up 40,026 from 2023 (~1% growth). Net migration 41,791 (domestic 26,028 + international 15,763). Deaths exceeded births for 3rd consecutive year (natural population decline since 2020). Huntsville leads: +4,000 residents in 2024 (total 230K+), +29,828 since 2019 (~16/day). Madison County adding ~10,000/year since 2019. Baldwin County (coastal) 2nd growth engine. Multiracial residents 315,000 (+30K in one year). Hispanic/Latino +16,000, Asian +2,000. Rural Black Belt counties continuing decline. Growth driven entirely by in-migration, not births.
Balanced budgets every year. Record FY2026 budgets: $3.7B General Fund (+10%), ~$10B ETF (+6%). AA/Aa1 credit ratings maintained. Pension funding improving (~72-73%). Conservative fiscal management. Revenue growth slowing to ~2% but still positive. Low debt per capita.
FBI UCR 2024: violent crime 360/100K, property crime 1,565/100K. Overall crime decreased 15.7% (violent -13.7%, property -16.2%). 81% aggravated assaults, 9.4% robberies, 7.2% rapes, 2.4% murders. Homicide rate 10.3/100K (3rd highest nationally). Gun violence costs $14.1B/yr. Incarceration rate 898/100K (6th highest globally); 74% in jails not yet convicted. Prison crisis: 277 deaths in 2024 (highest per capita mortality nationally at 101.81/100K). DOJ v. Alabama lawsuit ongoing — $1.3B prison construction plan (Oct 2021). ADOC legal spending exceeded $57M since 2020 (124 lawsuits settled). Birmingham implementing police drones (30% response time reduction).
NAEP 2024: 4th grade math — LARGEST improvement nationally, ranking jumped from 40th to 32nd. Within 1 point of national average in 4th grade math and reading. But 8th grade still ranks 48th (math) and 45th (reading). Graduation rate ~92% (2019). Significant achievement gaps persist.
Census ACS: uninsured rate 8.4% (18th highest). Has NOT expanded Medicaid — 107,000 in coverage gap. Infant mortality ROSE to 7.8/1K (2023) vs national 5.6 — seven-year high. Black infant mortality double white rate. Rural hospital closures. Maternity care deserts. CDC: life expectancy below national average.
FHWA NBI: only 3.4% bridges structurally deficient (better than national 7.5%). But 14% weight-restricted. Roads: 9% in unacceptable condition (manageable). Rebuild Alabama Act (2019) 10-cent gas tax funding improvements. $5.53B federal IIJA funds. Broadband deployment behind schedule. Many bridges aging past 50-year design life.
BEA RPP: Alabama ~88 (prices 12% below national average). Very affordable state. BLS CPI: inflation tracked near national average. Median home price ~$230K (well below national ~$320K). Low housing cost burden. Gas prices near national average. One of most affordable states nationally.
Ivey signed Executive Order 734 (Jan 2023) 'Promoting Transparency in State Government Through Enhanced Accessibility to Public Records.' Signed SB 270 (May 2024) — most significant amendment to Alabama's public records law in 50+ years, requiring state agencies to acknowledge and respond to records requests within set timeframes (effective Oct 1, 2024). Open.alabama.gov provides transparency portal. Budget documents published through legislative fiscal office. Examiners of Public Accounts operates independently. Press access to governor limited due to health (lung cancer treatment 2019, age 80, dehydration Nov 2024). SB 270 is a genuine reform achievement.
Prison crisis — DOJ lawsuit, record deaths (277 in 2024, 325 in 2023). VA Commissioner fired, federal whistleblower lawsuit filed. Failure to expand Medicaid despite coverage gap. Infant mortality at 7-year high. Gambling legislation failed despite public support. Governor health transparency concerns. Board of VA stripped of authority.
Historic: longest-serving female governor nationally. First woman elected governor of Alabama in her own right. First female Republican governor in AL history. When she leaves office Jan 2027, will have served ~10 years — longer than any AL governor except George Wallace. Succeeded Robert Bentley (resigned amid scandal April 2017). Record-low unemployment (2.7%), record employment (2,219,700), record wages ($1,118.84/week). Rebuild Alabama Act (2019, 10-cent gas tax) — landmark infrastructure. SB 270 public records reform (2024) — first in 50 years. Created STEM Advisory Council (goal: 500K skilled workers by 2025). But prison crisis historically unprecedented — DOJ lawsuit, 277 deaths in 2024. Infant mortality rose to 7.8/1K (seven-year high). Education improved (largest NAEP 4th grade math gain nationally, 2024).
Morning Consult: 63-64% approval, top 5-7 nationally. Highest approval in Southeast. Won 2022 reelection with 67%. Strong popular mandate. High approval among both overall voters and Republican base (86% among R voters).
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +97 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 1 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
AL violent crime rate approximately 453 per 100K (2023), above national average of ~380. Slight decrease in recent years. Ivey signed tough-on-crime legislation but rate remains elevated.
FBI UCR 2023; AL DPS
0
Homicide rate relative to national average
AL homicide rate approximately 9.5-10 per 100K, roughly 50-60% above national average. Birmingham and Mobile drive state rate. Persistent challenge despite enforcement efforts.
FBI UCR 2023; CDC WONDER
-1
Homicide clearance rate
AL homicide clearance rate estimated 35-40%, below national average. Resource constraints in smaller departments. State Bureau of Investigation assists but gaps remain.
FBI UCR Supplementary Reports; AL DPS
-1
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
AL law enforcement staffing moderate. Rural areas face recruitment challenges. State Law Enforcement Agency maintained. No major defunding or expansion initiatives.
FBI LEOKA; AL DPS
0
Drug overdose death rate trend
AL drug overdose death rate approximately 20-22 per 100K, above national average. Fentanyl increasingly dominant. Prescription drug monitoring program operational. Rate increased during tenure.
CDC WONDER; AL ADPH
-1
Emergency management preparedness (FEMA rating)
AL EMA rated adequate by FEMA assessments. Tornado Alley exposure creates strong preparedness culture. EMA responded to multiple severe weather events during tenure.
FEMA SPR; AL EMA
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Ivey responded effectively to multiple tornado outbreaks including March 2021 and subsequent severe weather. Timely declarations and resource deployment. Post-Helene mutual aid to neighboring states.
FEMA after-action; AL EMA
+1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
AL infrastructure grades below average. ASCE gives AL D+ overall. Structurally deficient bridges above national average. Road conditions poor in rural areas. Some IIJA investment improving trajectory.
FHWA NBI; ASCE AL report card
-1
Water and dam safety compliance
Standard drinking water compliance. Some rural water system challenges. Dam safety program adequate. No Flint-level contamination events. Coal ash and PFAS monitoring ongoing.
EPA SDWIS; AL DEM
0
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
AL uninsured rate approximately 10-11%, above national average. Ivey rejected Medicaid expansion repeatedly despite ballot initiative discussions. 500,000+ Alabamians in coverage gap.
Census ACS; KFF; AL Medicaid
-1
Maternal mortality rate
AL maternal mortality rate approximately 36-40 per 100K, significantly above national average and among worst nationally. Racial disparities documented. Some maternal health initiatives but outcomes remain poor.
CDC WONDER; AL ADPH
-2
Infant mortality rate
AL infant mortality rate approximately 7.5-8.0 per 1,000, among worst nationally. Persistent racial disparities. Some initiatives funded but outcomes not improving to acceptable levels.
CDC WONDER; AL ADPH
-2
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
AL has Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground, no duty to retreat, and civil immunity for lawful self-defense. Constitutional carry (permitless carry) signed by Ivey in 2023 (HB 26).
AL Code §13A-3-23; HB 26 (2023)
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
AL maintains death penalty with standard appellate review. Override system reformed (judicial override eliminated 2017). Some DNA access for post-conviction. Clemency process functional.
DPIC; AL clemency records
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
AL suicide rate approximately 16-17 per 100K, above national average. Rural areas particularly affected. Funded prevention plan exists but rate above average and not declining.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP AL
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
AL emergency response times average for mixed urban/rural state. Rural areas face longer response times. Standard NFPA compliance in urban areas.
NFPA compliance; AL EMS data
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
AL has prescription drug monitoring program and some interdiction funding. Overdose deaths still rising. Not a model program but some investment. Fentanyl seizures increasing.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; AL PDMP
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
AL has standard veteran services through VA coordination. No exceptional state veteran programs. Relies primarily on federal VA system with minimal state supplement.
VA SAIL; AL DVA
0
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
AL Department of Public Health maintains food safety inspections. No major outbreaks linked to inspection failures during tenure. Standard FDA conformance.
FDA Conformance; AL ADPH
+1
Workplace fatality rate
AL workplace fatality rate approximately 5.0-5.5 per 100K FTE, above national average due to agriculture, forestry, and mining industries. OSHA oversight standard.
BLS CFOI; OSHA AL data
-1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
AL has standard domestic violence programs. No fatality review board until recently. DV services basic. Rate near national average.
NNEDV; AL DV data
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
AL prison system under active DOJ CRIPA investigation since 2019. Federal court found unconstitutional conditions. At least 16 prisoner deaths in FY2023. Understaffing crisis — vacancy rate 50%+. New prison construction ($1.3B) underway but conditions remain dangerous.
DOJ CRIPA 2019-present; BJS mortality data; AL DOC
-3
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
AL meets most EPA NAAQS. Some nonattainment areas for ozone near Birmingham. Standard EPA delegation to ADEM. No major pollution-related health crises.
EPA Green Book; AL DEM
0
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
AL traffic fatality rate approximately 1.6-1.8 per 100M VMT, above national average. Rural road hazards. Limited public transit alternatives.
NHTSA FARS; AL DOT
-1
Sanctity of life legislative framework
AL enacted comprehensive abortion ban (Human Life Protection Act) post-Dobbs with limited exceptions. Signed by Ivey May 2019, effective June 2022. Clinic safety regulations maintained. State-funded pregnancy resource centers.
Guttmacher; AL Human Life Protection Act
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Awarded $2.6M in Emergency Solutions Grants for homeless services in 2024.
ADECA Alabama
+1
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
60% of rural hospitals at risk of closing; 7+ closed since 2011. Refused Medicaid expansion.
AL Reporter, Alabama Hospital Association
-1
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Consistent law enforcement funding grants: $5.6M in 2023, $791K in 2024. Signed Back the Blue Protection Act.
ADECA Alabama, Governor.alabama.gov
+2
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Parole rates historically very low. New mega-prison under construction ($1.3B). No mass early release.
Birmingham Watch, AL Daily News
+1
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Signed legislation banning transgender athletes from women's sports. Conservative framework maintains sex-based housing.
CNN, Yellowhammer News
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Signed SB 240 expanding involuntary commitment. Funded 6 mental health crisis centers ($12M).
Sand Mountain Reporter, AL Daily News
+1

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: 36 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
AL enacted constitutional/permitless carry (HB 26, 2023) signed by Ivey. No permit required for concealed carry. Strong preemption.
AL Code §13A-11-73.1; HB 26
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions on semi-automatic rifles beyond federal law. AL has no assault weapons ban. 2A sanctuary provisions considered.
AL Code; ATF compendium
+3
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions in AL. No preemption of local magazine laws but no local restrictions exist.
AL Code; NRA-ILA
+2
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
AL has no ERPO/red flag law. Relies on existing due process mechanisms. No legislative push for ERPO.
AL statutes; ERPO tracker
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
AL enacted campus free speech protections (Act 2019-396). Requires public universities to adopt policies protecting free expression. FIRE gives mixed ratings.
Act 2019-396; FIRE rankings
+1
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
AL has no comprehensive anti-SLAPP statute. Limited common law protections. No significant anti-SLAPP reform during Ivey's tenure.
Public Participation Project; AL law
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
AL has strong religious liberty protections including state RFRA (Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment, 1998). Church attendance and religious exercise generally protected.
AL Constitution Amendment 622; Becket Fund
+2
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
AL relies on federal Carpenter standard without significant state enhancement. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute.
EFF database; AL statutes
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
AL has limited civil asset forfeiture reform. Preponderance standard. Some reporting requirements but no conviction requirement. Federal equitable sharing participation.
Institute for Justice; AL Code §20-2-93
-1
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
AL has some post-Kelo reform. Constitution amended (Amendment 791, 2006) to restrict takings for private benefit. Moderate protections.
AL Constitution Amendment 791; Castle Coalition
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
AL permitting timelines moderate. No comprehensive shot-clock legislation. Standard agency processing. Some construction permit delays.
AL permitting data; construction reports
0
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Ivey joined multistate litigation on immigration enforcement, challenged federal vaccine mandates, and pushed back on EPA regulations. Active federal overreach resistance.
Multistate litigation dockets; AL AG filings
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
Standard race-neutral contracting moving toward SFFA compliance. No documented racial quota programs. Transitioning appropriately.
AL procurement data; SFFA compliance
+1
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
AL has state preemption of local firearms laws (§11-45-1.1). Municipalities cannot enact stricter gun laws. Effective preemption.
AL Code §11-45-1.1; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
AL Open Records Act provides moderate FOIA compliance. Some documented delays. Standard government transparency. Room for improvement.
RCFP assessments; AL open records
0
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
AL public defender system significantly underfunded. Caseloads above ABA recommended maximums. Chronic resource shortages. Multiple reports documenting deficiencies.
Sixth Amendment Center; ACLU AL reports
-1
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
AL bail system has some reform elements. Risk-based pretrial assessment used in some counties. Cash bail predominates but violent offenders generally detained appropriately.
Pretrial Justice Institute; AL court data
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
AL regulatory burden moderate. No comprehensive reform mechanisms. No one-in-two-out policy. Average economic freedom ranking.
Mercatus RegData; CATO
0
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
AL AG supports Second Amendment rights. Filed pro-2A amicus briefs. State defends pro-2A laws actively.
AL AG litigation; amicus filings
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
No active compelled speech laws in AL. Religious liberty protections prevent compelled expression against religious beliefs.
AL statutes; RFRA protections
+1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
AL has standard interstate commerce environment. Some occupational licensing barriers. Average reciprocity.
IJ licensing; AL reciprocity
0
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
AL licensing burden moderate. No comprehensive reform. Military spouse licensing progress but limited overall reform.
IJ License to Work; NCSL
0
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
AL pension systems (TRS 65.1% funded, ERS 57%) below national averages. Unfunded liability growing. Below acceptable Contract Clause compliance.
AL RSA Actuarial; Pew pension data
-1
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Standard jury trial access in AL. No significant courthouse closures or case diversion issues.
AL court reports; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
AL is strong anti-sanctuary state. Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (HB 56, 2011) — among strongest immigration enforcement laws nationally. Full ICE cooperation. E-Verify mandated for employers. No state benefits to illegal aliens.
AL HB 56; 8 USC §1373; FAIR
+3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
Signed 'Back the Blue Protection Act' expanding qualified immunity. Strongest QI expansion in the nation.
AL Reflector, Alabama Gazette
+3
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Strict photo voter ID. Signed bill prohibiting payment for ballot assistance and pre-filled applications.
AL Reflector, Ballotpedia
+2
Non-citizen voting prevention
Signed SB 158 prohibiting foreign national driver licenses as voter ID. Dedicated legislation against non-citizen voting.
Governor.alabama.gov
+3
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Signed K-12 and collegiate trans athlete bans covering all education levels.
CNN, PBS, Yellowhammer News
+3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Score: 10 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
AL has parental rights protections embedded in education code. Parents have right to review curriculum and opt out of certain instruction. No standalone Parental Bill of Rights.
AL education code; parental rights provisions
+2
Education choice — school choice programs
AL has scholarship tax credit program (Alabama Accountability Act 2013) providing school choice for students in failing schools. Charter schools authorized (2015). Not universal ESA but meaningful choice.
EdChoice AL; NAPCS; AL Accountability Act
+2
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
AL requires parental consent for abortion (minors). General parental consent for medical procedures. Standard consent framework with judicial bypass.
Guttmacher; AL Code §26-21-3
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
Ivey signed SB 184 (2022) banning puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery for gender-transition in minors under 19. Criminal penalties for providers (Class C felony). Among strongest restrictions nationally.
AL SB 184 (2022); Reuters tracker
+3
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
AL child abuse rate above national average. DCFS faces staffing challenges. Some CPS reform efforts but outcomes remain below standard.
ACF NCANDS; AL DHR
-1
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
AL CFSR performance mixed — conformity on some outcomes but not all. Standard improvement plans in place.
ACF CFSR; AL DHR
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
AL foster care permanency outcomes average. Some delays in reunification and adoption. Standard system challenges.
ACF AFCARS; AL DHR
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
AL has child trafficking statute and task force. AG enforces. Safe harbor provisions. Moderate prosecution volume.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope; AL AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
AL NAEP 4th grade reading approximately 27% proficient — below national average. Among lowest-performing states. Achievement gap persistent.
NCES NAEP 2024
-1
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
AL NAEP 8th grade math approximately 20-22% proficient — below national average. Among lowest-performing states. Some improvement but still below standard.
NCES NAEP 2024
-1
Parental curriculum transparency
AL has some parental curriculum review rights. Textbook adoption with state board input. Limited opt-out provisions.
AL education code; school board policies
+1
Social media — minor protections
AL has limited social media protections for minors. No comprehensive legislation enacted. Reliance on federal COPPA baseline.
NCSL tracker; AL legislation
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
AL juvenile jurisdiction to 18 (since 2016 Juvenile Justice Reform). Standard transfer provisions. Some rehabilitation programs.
OJJDP AL; AL juvenile code
0
Child poverty rate and state response
AL child poverty rate approximately 20-22%, significantly above national average. Among highest child poverty states. Some TANF programs but insufficient to address scope.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
-1
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
AL has standard adoption framework. Signed faith-based adoption agency protection law (HB 24, 2017) allowing religious agencies to operate per their beliefs.
HB 24 (2017); ACF AFCARS
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
AL has low-regulation homeschool environment. No mandatory curriculum or testing. Notification only through church school coverage. Sports participation access.
HSLDA AL; AL Code §16-28-1
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
AL ICAC task force operational. AG prosecution of CSAM cases active. Standard enforcement capacity.
ICAC task force; AL AG; NCMEC
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
AL has school safety programs including SRO funding. Safety grants available. Some school hardening initiatives. Standard framework.
NASRO; AL DOE safety programs
+1
Children's mental health services access
AL school counselor ratio poor — among worst nationally. Limited children's mental health investment. Access gaps significant in rural areas.
ASCA ratio data; SAMHSA AL profile
-1
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
AL allows religious and medical exemptions for vaccination. No philosophical exemption. Parents can claim religious exemption without specific documentation.
NCSL; AL Code §16-30-3
+2
Child care affordability and access
AL child care affordability poor. Limited subsidy programs. Significant waitlists. Child care deserts in rural areas.
ACF CCDF; Center for American Progress AL
-1
Education — teacher quality and retention
AL teacher salaries below national average. Significant vacancy challenges especially in rural areas. Emergency certifications widespread. FY2027 budget proposes 2% raise.
NCES; NEA salary rankings; AL DOE
-1
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
AL child food insecurity approximately 20-22%, above national average. School meal programs operational but coverage gaps in summer. Poverty drives food insecurity.
USDA ERS; Feeding America AL
-1
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
AL has standard due process protections in family court. Santosky-compliant TPR. No systemic concerns documented but some delays in rural jurisdictions.
AL Code §12-15-319; ABA
0
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
AL IDEA compliance standard. OSEP determination 'Needs Assistance' historically. Some districts require improvement. State monitoring operational.
OSEP determinations; AL DOE SPED
0

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: 50 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
AL has balanced budgets every year. FY2026 record budgets signed. No structural deficits. Conservative fiscal approach with surpluses deposited to reserves.
AL ACFR; NASBO
+2
State credit rating stability
AL GO bonds rated Aa1/AA — strong but not AAA. Stable outlook. No downgrades during Ivey's tenure but no upgrades either.
Moody's Aa1; S&P AA
+1
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
AL Budget Stabilization Fund maintained but below recommended 5-10% of GF. Net position $31.8B but rainy day fund specifically is modest relative to budget size.
AL Comptroller ACFR; NASBO
+1
Pension system funding responsibility
AL pension funded ratios: TRS 65.1%, ERS 57% — both below national average. RSA seeking increased state funding. Making ARC payments but unfunded liability growing.
AL RSA Actuarial; Pew pension
0
State debt burden
AL debt per capita ~$6,189, ranked 6th lowest nationally. Conservative debt management. Government debt ratio 11.578% of GDP, among lowest.
Statista; Tax Foundation
+2
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
AL state employee headcount moderate relative to population. No major efficiency reforms beyond standard operations. Some technology modernization.
Census Public Employment; BLS
+1
Inspector General / state auditor independence
AL Examiners of Public Accounts operates independently. Clean opinions on state financials. Standard cooperation with audit process. No interference documented.
AL Examiners of Public Accounts; IG reports
+1
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Ivey has had some minor controversies (2019 blackface yearbook photo from college) but no formal ethics violations or criminal charges. Financial disclosure compliant.
AL Ethics Commission; media reports
+1
Executive order restraint
EOs within legitimate executive function. No EOs struck down by courts. Standard volume. Executive actions on immigration, COVID, and economic development within bounds.
AL Governor's EO records; court records
+2
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
COVID emergency orders extended multiple times but eventually terminated. Some criticism of duration but within general statutory bounds. No post-COVID emergency issues.
AL emergency statutes; legislative records
+1
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Low veto override rate. Works effectively with Republican supermajority legislature. Budget negotiations generally productive. Strong legislative relationships.
AL Legislature records; NCSL
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Standard judicial appointments. Some criticism of political considerations but no unqualified appointees removed for cause. Process functional.
AL judicial appointment records
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Most enacted legislation implemented on schedule. Prison construction delayed behind timeline ($1.3B project). Some implementation gaps in prison reform commitments.
AL agency reports; prison construction timeline
+1
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal grant management adequate. $1.4B BEAD broadband allocation managed. ARPA funds deployed including $400M to prison construction. Some questioned allocations.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; USASpending
+1
Public approval as competence indicator
Ivey approval approximately 55-60% historically, declining in recent years. Won 2022 primary with 55%. Generally popular but aging-related concerns have emerged.
Morning Consult; AL polls
+1
State IT security and data protection
Standard IT security framework. No major breaches documented. Some technology modernization through BEAD broadband expansion. Basic cybersecurity.
NASCIO survey; AL IT reports
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Capital budget execution moderate. $1.3B prison construction significantly delayed. IIJA infrastructure spending proceeding. Some project delivery challenges.
ASCE AL; AL DOT; prison construction
+1
Disaster fund readiness
AL EMA has adequate disaster funding given tornado/hurricane exposure. FEMA cost-share obligations met. Pre-positioned resources for severe weather.
FEMA BRIC; AL EMA
+1
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
AL UI system paid $533.3M in fraudulent claims during pandemic — significant waste. Blocked $5B+ more. Improper payment rate 20.34%. System functional but pandemic exposed weaknesses.
DOL OIG; AL DOL
0
Medicaid program integrity
AL Medicaid program standard compliance. No expansion — leaving coverage gap. Standard PERM error rates. Program managed within fiscal constraints.
CMS PERM; AL Medicaid
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
AL has voter photo ID requirement. Paper ballots in most counties. Standard election administration. Voter roll maintenance functional.
AL SOS; EAC EAVS
+2
Transparency — state budget accessibility
AL has basic online budget portal. Some spending transparency. Room for improvement in real-time contract visibility. Moderate transparency.
U.S. PIRG; AL open data
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
AL cooperates with federal enforcement including immigration. Resisted federal overreach on vaccine mandates. Beason-Hammon Act demonstrates strong federal compliance on immigration.
Federal compliance; AL HB 56
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
AL has Lt. Governor (Will Ainsworth). Succession plan clear. COOP plan exists. Standard continuity planning.
AL Constitution; succession records
+2
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
AL procurement standard controls. Some concerns about prison construction contracts ($1.3B) and political connections. No criminal corruption findings but oversight questions remain.
AL Examiners; procurement data
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Alabama gas tax at 30 cents, moderate. No significant increases.
AARP State Tax Guide
+1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Alabama Power rates frozen 2 years. Below national average. $3M weatherization grants.
WBRC, AL Reporter
+2
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
No forced green mandates. Practical energy policy. No cap-and-trade or EV mandates.
Colorado State Univ. energy brief
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Alabama has one of lowest property tax rates (~0.39%). No increases under Ivey.
Tax Foundation, PayRent
+2
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Business-friendly regulatory environment. Catalyst economic development plan.
Governor.alabama.gov
+1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
Generally does not impose significant unfunded mandates.
Various AL sources
+1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Cost of living among lowest in nation. Tax rebates to nearly 2 million filers.
Governor.alabama.gov, AARP
+1
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Signed SB 63 requiring DNA/fingerprint of illegals. 'Show me your papers' state effective Oct 2025.
Governor.alabama.gov, NIPNLG
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
Modest $2.6M/year in targeted grants. Lower homelessness than many states.
ADECA Alabama
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
Alabama municipalities generally enforce anti-camping ordinances. Modest but adequate.
Various AL sources
+1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Alabama gained 25,000 domestic migrants in 2024, though growth slowed.
PARC Alabama, UA CBER
+1
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
$67B in investment and 170,000 jobs since 2012. No business exodus.
Governor.alabama.gov
+1
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No specific actions to remove rogue prosecutors documented.
AL Reporter
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Strict voter ID. Criminalized certain absentee ballot assistance. Banned curbside voting.
AL Reflector, Ballotpedia
+2
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No documented weaponization of state agencies.
Various AL sources
0
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
Signed Property Protection Act restricting foreign land purchases. Banned TikTok on state devices.
AL Reporter
+2
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