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Sarah Huckabee Sanders
46.3%
#31 of 50

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Arkansas R | 1st term
2023-01-10Took Office 3 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 765 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

218/300
73%

Section B: State Outcomes

437/975
45%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+110 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 218/300

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
Balanced budgets submitted on time. FY2025 budget submitted March 2024. FY2026 $6.49B budget proposal submitted November 2024.
AR Governor's Office Budget Publications; governor.arkansas.gov
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Revenue forecasts generally on target. Conservative revenue estimates maintained. Budget increases limited to 1.76% (FY2025) and 2.89% (FY2026).
AR DFA Revenue Reports; AR Legislative Fiscal Office
2
Rainy day fund management
Long Term Reserve Fund capped at $125M by law. Catastrophic Reserve Fund at $1.5B and Restricted Reserve at $2B as of FY2024. State has 106.8 days of operating reserves — among top states nationally. FY2024 surplus $698M, FY2023 surplus $1.16B.
Pew Charitable Trusts Rainy Day Fund Report 2024; AR DFA; NASBO Fiscal Survey
2
State credit rating trajectory
S&P upgraded Arkansas GO bonds to AA+ in May 2025 — highest since 1966 — citing low debt burden. Moody's affirmed Aa1 with stable outlook. Two upgrades under Sanders tenure reflect strong fiscal management and reserve accumulation.
S&P Global Ratings — Arkansas May 2025; Moody's — Arkansas; AR DFA
2
Pension funding ratio trajectory
APERS funded at 88% per 2022 CAFR. ATRS and APERS ratios stable during tenure. Six pension systems (ATRS, APERS, ASHERS, ASPRS, ADJRS, LOPFI) all maintain actuarial soundness. No benefit cuts or contribution holiday issues.
APERS 2022 Annual Financial Report; AR Teacher Retirement System GASB FY2025; Reason Foundation Pension Analysis
2
Debt per capita trajectory
Arkansas has 4th lowest state debt nationally per Forbes. S&P cited 'low debt burden' in May 2025 upgrade to AA+. Debt per capita ~$1,674 — well below national median. No major new bonding initiatives under Sanders.
Forbes State Debt Rankings; S&P Global Ratings May 2025; AR State Treasurer Reports
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
ACFR published within statutory deadlines each year. AR DFA maintains transparency portal (transparency.arkansas.gov) with quarterly bonded indebtedness data. CAFR/ACFR reports available for public review.
AR DFA ACFR Records; transparency.arkansas.gov
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
Audit found potential breaches of state law in $19K lectern purchase. Governor's office was unwilling to engage auditors on findings. Referred to Pulaski County prosecutor.
AR Legislative Audit Report April 2024; Arkansas Advocate reporting
1
Federal grant fund accounting
Federal funds managed adequately. No major Single Audit compliance findings. Arkansas received $1.024B in BEAD broadband funding and $49M+ in FEMA disaster aid. ARPA funds distributed without major audit flags.
AR Single Audit; Federal Audit Clearinghouse; NTIA BEAD Program; FEMA PA Records
2
Anti-fraud controls
Standard anti-fraud controls in place. No major fraud scandals in state programs. UI system enacted Acts 106, 196, 587 (2024) requiring five work search contacts/week and tightening eligibility verification. Protect Arkansas Act added criminal enforcement tools.
AR DFA; AR Legislative Audit; AR Division of Workforce Services
3
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Balanced budgets maintained. Revenue covers expenditures. Tax cuts enacted (continuing prior governor's trajectory) but budgets remain balanced.
AR DFA Revenue Reports; AR Legislative Fiscal Office
2
Capital budget execution rate
Capital projects proceeding. $470M requested for new 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County. ArDOT highway projects underway with federal IIJA funds. $1.024B BEAD broadband deployment approved Nov 2025. Arkansas Forward initiative targets $300M in capital/operational efficiencies.
AR DOT; Governor's Capital Projects; NTIA BEAD Approval Nov 2025; AR Forward Dec 2024
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
$19K lectern purchase violated procurement procedures. Lectern model available for $7,500 or less was purchased for $19,029. No microphone or electronics included. Invoice altered to add undated 'to be reimbursed' note after FOIA request.
AR Legislative Audit Report April 2024; ABC News/Arkansas Advocate reporting
1
Federal funding maximization
Arkansas captures most federal formula funding. Has NOT expanded Medicaid through ACA but has Arkansas Works (modified expansion program) from prior governor.
USASpending.gov — Arkansas; CMS Records
2
Program eligibility verification
Standard eligibility verification. SAVE system used for immigration status on public benefits. ARHOME Medicaid work requirement waiver ('Pathway to Prosperity') submitted to CMS — aims to verify employment for ~90K unemployed recipients. UI Acts 106/196/587 tightened eligibility.
AR DHS Program Records; CMS ARHOME Waiver; AR Division of Workforce Services
3
Signature legislation enacted
LEARNS Act (signed Mar 8, 2023) — most comprehensive state education overhaul in nation. Raised minimum teacher salary to $50K, created Education Freedom Accounts (vouchers), mandated phonics-based reading instruction, repealed Teacher Fair Dismissal Act, added 12 weeks teacher maternity leave. Passed Senate 26-8, House 78-21. Protect Arkansas Act (Apr 2023) — truth-in-sentencing reform for violent crimes. Three income tax cuts signed: top rate 4.7% to 4.4% (Sep 2023) to 3.9% (2025).
AR Legislature — LEARNS Act (Act 237); Protect Arkansas Act (Act 659); Tax Cut Acts 2023-2025
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden in three legislative sessions (2023 regular, 2023 special, 2024 special, 2025 regular). Republican supermajority (28-7 Senate, 82-18 House) fully aligned with governor's agenda. No significant legislative defeats.
AR Legislature Journal; Governor's Veto Records; AR General Assembly Membership
3
Bipartisan bills signed
AR legislature is R supermajority (82-18 House, 28-7 Senate). LEARNS Act drew some bipartisan opposition (21 House Dems/Rs opposed). Social Media Safety Act had broader support. Most legislation passes along party lines. Limited bipartisan outreach given supermajority dynamics.
AR Legislature Vote Records; LEARNS Act Roll Call; Social Media Safety Act Roll Call
2
Special sessions called
Called Sep 2023 special session — achieved income tax cut (4.7% to 4.4%), corporate tax cut (5.1% to 4.8%), $150 one-time tax credit, and FOIA amendments in one week. Jun 2024 special session enacted additional tax/appropriation bills. Both sessions completed efficiently with all priorities passed.
AR Legislature Special Session Records 2023, 2024; Arkansas Advocate Sep 2023
3
Executive orders — legal challenges
Signed 7 executive orders on day one (CRT ban, TikTok ban on state devices, Latinx term ban, hiring freeze, etc.). Social Media Safety Act (Act 689) struck down by federal judge as unconstitutional (First Amendment, due process). CRT ban EO upheld on appeal. EOs on regulatory reduction require 2-for-1 rule repeal.
AR Court Records; US District Court Act 689 ruling; 8th Circuit CRT ruling 2025; Governor's Executive Orders
2
Line-item veto usage
Appropriate use of line-item veto authority. Budgets pass cooperatively with R supermajority so line-item veto rarely needed. FY2026 $6.49B budget included $167M new spending and $190M set-aside from $299.5M surplus. No major budget line disputes.
AR Constitution Art. 6 §17; Governor's Budget Actions; FY2026 Budget Proposal
2
Regulatory burden change
Signed EO requiring 2-for-1 rule repeal — every new regulation must accompany two repeals. Arkansas Forward initiative (2024) with McKinsey targets $300M in cost savings across 300+ efficiency initiatives in IT, procurement, fleet, personnel, real estate. Signed EO to speed permitting for economic development projects (Feb 2026).
AR Administrative Code; EO 23-04 Regulatory Reduction; Arkansas Forward Dec 2024; McKinsey Contract
3
Budget negotiation success
All budgets passed on time with cooperative R supermajority. FY2025 budget increase 1.76%, FY2026 increase 2.89% — conservative growth. FY2026 $6.49B budget approved with $167M new spending. Three tax cut packages passed totaling ~$483M first-year revenue impact for latest cut alone.
AR Legislature Session Records; AR DFA Revenue Reports; FY2025-2026 Budgets
3
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed LEARNS Act (popular $50K teacher salary floor), Protect Arkansas Act (popular tough-on-crime), three income tax cuts (popular). Social Media Safety Act popular with parents but struck down by courts. AR ACCESS Act (2025) for higher ed reform. Anti-DEI bill signed Feb 2025. Strong bill-signing record on conservative priorities.
AR Legislature Records; LEARNS Act; Protect Arkansas Act; ACCESS Act 2025
2
Legislative relationship
Strong relationship with R supermajority legislature. Priorities generally adopted. High legislative output.
AR Legislature Session Records
3
Voter-approved measures implementation
Implemented voter-approved measures on schedule. No known delays on ballot initiative implementation. Arkansas uses ballot initiative process (Issue 1-4 type) — governor has cooperated with implementation timelines. 2026 ballot measure pending for constitutional non-citizen voting ban which Sanders supports.
AR Secretary of State; Governor Implementation Records; 2026 Ballot Measure Filing
2
Task force follow-through
LEARNS Act implementation underway — 7,000 students participated in Education Freedom Accounts year one, 14,000 projected year two. $90M allocated FY2025 for EFA with additional $90M set aside. Arkansas Forward task force (2024) produced 300+ efficiency initiatives. Maternal health declared priority but infant mortality remains 7.7/1K (49th nationally). ACCESS Act higher ed reform signed Mar 2025.
AR DESE LEARNS Implementation; AR Forward Dec 2024; ACCESS Act 2025; CDC Infant Mortality Data
2
Policy reversals under pressure
No major policy reversals. Backed off broad FOIA gutting under bipartisan backlash (Sep 2023) but still secured travel/security exemptions — a tactical retreat, not full reversal. Maintained positions on LEARNS Act, tax cuts, Protect Arkansas Act, and immigration enforcement despite opposition. Consistent conservative agenda execution.
Governor's Policy Records; Arkansas Advocate Sep 2023 FOIA Coverage
3
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No major criminal issues with appointees. 14-member cabinet appointed day one. Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva (former FL DOE interim commissioner) has education credentials. Joseph Wood (Washington County Judge) named to lead Dept. of Transformation and Shared Services. Executive assistant involvement in lectern invoice alteration referred to prosecutor but no charges filed against appointees.
AR Ethics Commission; Court Records; Governor's Appointment Announcements Jan 2023
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency positions generally filled. All 14 cabinet secretaries named on inauguration day — unusually fast. Day-one hiring freeze EO paused non-essential hiring for 90-day review period. Dept. of Transformation and Shared Services, Education, Commerce all staffed promptly. No prolonged vacancies in key agencies.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; EO 23-03 Hiring Freeze Jan 2023
2
State employee turnover
State employee turnover at moderate levels. Day-one hiring freeze (EO 23-03) caused some disruption but was temporary (90 days). Arkansas Forward initiative (2024) includes personnel efficiency measures — may reduce headcount over time. FY2026 budget includes pay adjustments to improve retention. State workforce ~30K employees.
AR OPM Personnel Data; EO 23-03; Arkansas Forward Dec 2024
2
Diversity of appointments
Arkansas has significant Black population (~16%). Cabinet diversity limited and does not closely reflect state demographics.
Governor's Appointment Records; Census ACS Arkansas Demographics
1
Judicial appointment quality
No major judicial appointment controversies. Arkansas uses nonpartisan judicial elections for most courts. Governor fills vacancies by appointment when seats open mid-term. No appointees removed or disciplined by AR Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission during tenure.
AR Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission; AR Constitution Art. 7
3
State workforce pay competitiveness
LEARNS Act raised minimum teacher salary to $50K — significant increase and among highest in region. FY2026 budget includes state employee pay adjustments. AR cost of living (RPP 86.9) makes nominal wages more competitive in real terms. State employee pay still lags private sector in NW Arkansas (Walmart/Tyson HQ area).
AR OPM Compensation Data; FY2026 Budget; LEARNS Act Teacher Salary Provisions; BEA RPP
2
Whistleblower protection
Whistleblower alleged governor's office altered public records (invoice annotation) related to lectern purchase. Attorney stated emails support whistleblower's claims.
Arkansas Advocate Oct 2023; Whistleblower attorney statements
1
Inspector General independence
Legislative Audit Division operates independently. Governor's office was unwilling to engage with auditors on lectern findings but did not prevent the audit.
AR Legislative Audit Division
2
State employee morale
No systemwide morale crisis reported. Day-one hiring freeze caused temporary concern but was limited to 90 days. LEARNS Act repeal of Teacher Fair Dismissal Act drew teacher opposition — NEA/AEA organized protests. Teacher morale mixed: salary increase popular but job protections removed. Arkansas Forward efficiency measures may create future uncertainty.
AR OPM; AEA Teacher Advocacy; LEARNS Act Response; Arkansas Forward
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism violations. Father Mike Huckabee is former AR governor (1996-2007) but no family members appointed to state positions. Cabinet selections based on professional credentials — Jacob Oliva from FL DOE, Joseph Wood from county government. No cronyism allegations substantiated.
AR Ethics Commission Records; Governor's Appointment Records
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff criminal charges. Executive assistant involvement in lectern invoice alteration referred to prosecutor but no charges filed.
Court Records; AR Legislative Audit
2
Agency performance accountability
LEARNS Act created new school accountability metrics — underperforming districts must partner with charter schools. Arkansas Forward (2024) established 300+ performance initiatives across all 15 cabinet departments with McKinsey consulting ($5.5M contract). ACCESS Act (2025) added higher ed performance metrics and removed DEI accreditation standards.
AR DESE; Governor's Performance Reports; Arkansas Forward Dec 2024; ACCESS Act 2025
3
Disaster declaration timeliness
Requested federal disaster declaration within 24 hours of devastating Mar 31, 2023 tornadoes (five tornadoes, two EF-3, hit Little Rock/Wynne — $70-90M public infrastructure damage). May 2024 tornado declaration requested promptly for north AR. Mar 2025 declaration requested for nine counties within days. Consistent rapid response.
AR ADEM Emergency Records; FEMA DR-4698; FEMA DR-4788; Governor's Disaster Requests 2023-2025
2
FEMA assistance secured
FEMA wrote projects costing $49M+ for Mar 2023 tornadoes, with $27M distributed through ADEM. Mar 2025 federal disaster request initially denied then approved on appeal (May 2025) for individual assistance in nine counties. Persistent advocacy secured federal funds despite initial denial.
FEMA PA Records — Arkansas; FEMA DR-4698; Arkansas Advocate Mar 2025
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Catastrophic Reserve Fund at $1.5B, Restricted Reserve at $2B — ample emergency reserves. State has 106.8 days of operating costs in reserves (among top states nationally). Released state disaster funds immediately for Mar 2023 and Mar 2025 tornado responses before federal approval. FY2024 surplus $698M provides additional fiscal cushion.
AR ADEM; AR State Finance; Pew Charitable Trusts Reserve Report 2024; Governor's Disaster Fund Releases
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
Mar 2023 EF-3 tornadoes caused fatalities in Little Rock, Wynne, and Cross County but no deaths attributed to state emergency management failure. Warning systems functioned. ADEM coordination with NWS adequate. Mar 2025 tornado outbreak in NE Arkansas — emergency response timely with no preventable state-failure deaths documented.
AR ADEM After-Action Reports; NWS Little Rock; FEMA DR-4698 AAR
3
Post-disaster recovery timeline
FEMA distributed $27M of $49M+ in project costs for Mar 2023 tornado recovery. Recovery in Little Rock, Wynne, and Jacksonville progressed at standard pace. Appealed Mar 2025 FEMA denial and secured individual assistance approval in May 2025 for nine counties. Infrastructure repair timelines within federal norms.
FEMA PA Records — Arkansas; FEMA DR-4698; AR DPS Recovery Division
2
Public health emergency response
Took office Jan 2023 post-pandemic. Signed COVID-19 'disinformation' bill during Sep 2023 special session. AR Dept. of Health maintains standard disease surveillance. Infant mortality 7.7/1K (49th nationally) remains critical health challenge. Declared maternal health a priority but outcomes remain poor. Rural health access limited — 42 of 75 counties medically underserved.
AR Department of Health Reports; CDC WONDER Infant Mortality; HRSA MUA Data
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
No major infrastructure failures (dam breaches, bridge collapses, water system failures) during tenure. ArDOT maintains 16,400 miles of state highways. Federal IIJA funds being deployed for bridge/road improvements. No utility grid failures comparable to TX 2021. Standard infrastructure maintenance ongoing.
AR ADEM; AR DOT; FHWA Bridge Inventory — Arkansas
3
National Guard deployment
Deployed AR National Guard to TX-Mexico border twice: 80 soldiers Jun 2023 ($1.3M cost) and 40 soldiers (142nd Field Artillery Brigade) Apr-May 2024 ($1.01M estimated) supporting Operation Lone Star. Visited border with 14 GOP governors. Guard also activated for Mar 2023 tornado response domestically.
AR National Guard Records; Arkansas Advocate Mar 2024; Army Times Mar 2024
2
Emergency communication
Emergency communications adequate during Mar 2023 tornado outbreak — NWS warnings, ADEM coordination, and public alerts functioned. Social media used for rapid updates. Governor held press conferences during/after disaster events. No communication failures documented in after-action reviews for 2023-2025 severe weather events.
AR ADEM Communications; NWS Little Rock After-Action Mar 2023
2
Interagency coordination
ADEM coordinated effectively with FEMA, NWS, ArDOT, DHS, and National Guard during Mar 2023 tornado response across Little Rock, Wynne, Jacksonville, and Cabot. Interagency cooperation for Mar 2025 NE Arkansas tornado outbreak included nine-county joint assessment. No interagency coordination failures documented.
AR ADEM After-Action Reports; FEMA-ADEM Joint Operations 2023-2025
3
Pandemic response metrics
Took office Jan 2023 — post-pandemic emergency phase. Signed COVID-19 'disinformation' bill (Sep 2023 special session). EO reviewed all COVID-era executive orders within 90 days via Inspector General. No pandemic-era metrics directly applicable. Public health infrastructure maintained for future preparedness.
N/A — post-pandemic governor; EO 23-05 COVID Order Review; Sep 2023 Special Session
2
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Standard tornado and severe weather preparedness. Arkansas faces tornado, flood, and severe storm risks. Emergency management coordination adequate. No major preparedness failures documented.
AR ADEM
2
FOIA compliance rate
Signed FOIA amendments (Sep 2023 special session) exempting governor's travel and security detail records from public disclosure — citing death threats from WH Press Secretary days. Initially proposed far broader FOIA rollback of deliberative process records but retreated under bipartisan outcry. Lectern documents only released after FOIA request. Governor's office refused to engage Legislative Auditors on findings.
AR FOIA Amendment Sep 2023; Arkansas Advocate; Washington Times Sep 2023
1
Governor schedule availability
Governor's schedule and travel information restricted by law signed Sep 2023. State police required only to issue quarterly aggregate expense reports to lawmakers — not itemized public disclosures. Lawsuit filed against AR State Police over Sanders travel info (Sep 2023). $4M+ in state police airplane costs (Jun 2022-Dec 2023) — governor and predecessor accounted for more than half of usage. Nongovernmental groups paid ~$54K of Sanders' 2024 travel expenses.
AR Act 2023 FOIA Amendment; Arkansas Advocate; AR State Police Airplane Audit Oct 2024; Talk Business
1
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations documented. Won 2022 race with $14M+ raised — strong fundraising. AR Ethics Commission has not substantiated any campaign finance complaints. Post-election reporting filed on time. AR Republican Party reimbursement of $19K lectern was not a campaign finance issue per se but raised questions about party-state financial boundaries.
AR Ethics Commission Campaign Finance Records; FEC/AR Campaign Finance Database
3
Financial disclosure completeness
Financial disclosures filed as required by AR Ethics Commission. Annual Statement of Financial Interest submitted. Book deal income ('Speaking for Myself' memoir) disclosed. Husband Bryan Sanders' consulting income disclosed. No omissions or late filings publicly documented.
AR Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure Records; SFI Database
2
Open meetings compliance
No major Open Meetings Act violations documented. Executive branch meetings follow statutory requirements. Legislature's Joint Auditing Committee held public hearings on lectern audit (Apr 2024). No AG complaints or court findings of Open Meetings violations against governor's office.
AR AG Open Meetings Records; Joint Auditing Committee Apr 2024
3
Open data portal
Arkansas transparency portal (transparency.arkansas.gov) provides bonded indebtedness and some financial data but fewer publicly accessible datasets compared to peer states. No comprehensive open data initiative launched under Sanders. Limited proactive data publication. Transparency reduced by FOIA travel/security exemptions signed Sep 2023.
transparency.arkansas.gov; US PIRG State Open Data Rankings
1
Budget transparency
FY2026 $6.49B budget proposal published Nov 2024 with detailed spending categories. Legislative Fiscal Office publishes revenue reports. DFA revenue data available. Budget transparency adequate for standard operations but Arkansas Forward $5.5M McKinsey contract details drew some scrutiny. Tax cut fiscal impact ($483M first-year for latest cut) publicly disclosed.
AR DFA; AR Legislative Fiscal Office; FY2026 Budget Proposal Nov 2024
2
Lobbying disclosure enforcement
Standard lobbying disclosure maintained through AR Ethics Commission. Lobbyist registration and expenditure reporting unchanged during tenure. No new lobbying transparency reforms enacted. No major lobbying scandals involving governor's office documented.
AR Ethics Commission Lobbying Records; AR Code §21-8-601 et seq.
3
IG report publication
Legislative Audit Division published critical lectern audit (Apr 15, 2024) identifying potential breaches of state law on budgeting, accounting, property distribution, and records tampering. Report referred to AG and Pulaski County prosecutor. Joint Auditing Committee held public hearings Apr 16-17, 2024. Reports accessible to public despite governor's office objections.
AR Legislative Audit Division Apr 2024; Joint Auditing Committee Hearings
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Governor's office was UNWILLING to engage auditors on lectern purchase findings. Arkansas Advocate reported governor's 'unwillingness to engage auditors makes it hard to move on.' Audit referred to prosecutor.
Arkansas Advocate April 2024; AR Legislative Audit Division
0
Press conference accessibility
Holds press conferences as needed but less frequently than some predecessors. Former WH Press Secretary with strong media skills — comfortable in press settings. Significant national media presence (Fox News, conservative media). Local media access reasonable but governor's schedule now exempt from FOIA. Focus on controlled media appearances over ad hoc press availability.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; FOIA Schedule Exemption Sep 2023
2
Contract transparency
Lectern purchase lacked proper documentation. Invoice altered after FOIA request. AR Republican Party reimbursement arrangement raises questions about transparency of government spending.
AR Legislative Audit; Arkansas Advocate/ABC News
1
Court order compliance on transparency
No contempt findings for transparency violations. Lawsuit filed against AR State Police over Sanders' travel info (Sep 2023) but resolved after FOIA amendment passed. No court orders compelling disclosure that were defied. Lectern audit referred to prosecutor but no court-ordered transparency compliance issues.
Court Records; Talk Business Sep 2023 Lawsuit; Pulaski County Prosecutor
2
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges against governor personally. Lectern audit referred to AG and Pulaski County prosecutor (Apr 2024) but no charges filed against Sanders or any staff. Sanders claimed 'fully exonerated.' No personal criminal liability established despite audit finding 'potential noncompliance' with multiple state laws.
Court Records; Pulaski County Prosecutor; AR Legislative Audit Apr 2024
3
Ethics complaints substantiated
No formally substantiated ethics complaints through AR Ethics Commission. Lectern audit found 'potential noncompliance' with state laws on budgeting, accounting, property distribution, and records tampering — referred to AG and Pulaski County prosecutor. No charges filed. Sanders claimed full exoneration. Audit identified six specific potential legal violations but enforcement declined.
AR Ethics Commission Records; Pulaski County Prosecutor; AR Legislative Audit Apr 2024
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Signed law specifically limiting public access to her travel information. Travel spending has faced scrutiny. Transparency reduced proactively on travel matters.
AR Act 2023; Media Reporting
1
Conflict of interest
No documented conflicts of interest. Husband Bryan Sanders operates political consulting firm — no state contracts awarded to his firm documented. Book deal income disclosed. AR Republican Party reimbursement of $19K lectern raised appearance issues but no formal conflict finding. Arkansas Forward $5.5M McKinsey contract awarded through standard procurement.
AR Ethics Commission; SFI Disclosures; McKinsey Contract Records
3
State resources for politics
Lectern purchased with state funds, later reimbursed by AR Republican Party only after FOIA request was filed. Pattern suggests state resources initially used for potentially political purpose.
AR Legislative Audit; ABC News reporting
1
Truthfulness in official statements
Whistleblower alleged governor's office altered public records (adding undated 'to be reimbursed' note to invoice). Attorney stated emails support claim. Governor's office denied improper handling but auditors found otherwise.
Arkansas Advocate Oct 2023; AR Legislative Audit April 2024
1
Ethics infrastructure protection
Signed law limiting FOIA access to gubernatorial records — weakened transparency infrastructure. Opposed public access to travel and security information.
AR FOIA Amendment Act 2023
1
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing or emoluments violations. Financial disclosures filed annually. Book royalties ('Speaking for Myself') disclosed as personal income. No state contracts directed to personal businesses. $19K lectern reimbursed by AR Republican Party — not personal enrichment. No patterns of state resources benefiting Sanders family financial interests identified.
AR Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; SFI Records; Legislative Audit
3
Donor-to-contract pipeline
No documented donor-to-contract pipeline. $5.5M McKinsey consulting contract (Arkansas Forward) awarded through procurement process — McKinsey is major national firm, not a campaign donor-specific arrangement. No pattern of campaign contributors receiving state contracts identified by media or auditors.
AR Ethics Commission; Campaign Finance Records; McKinsey Contract Procurement Records
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. Banned TikTok (Chinese-owned) on all state devices day one (EO 23-06). No FARA registrations connected to governor's office. Former WH Press Secretary background involved extensive foreign government interaction but no foreign influence allegations as governor.
DOJ FARA Database; EO 23-06 TikTok Ban Jan 2023
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims against governor or senior staff. First female governor of Arkansas — has highlighted women's leadership. No workplace harassment complaints publicly documented in governor's office during tenure.
AR OPM Records; Governor's Office Personnel Files
3
Records preservation
Whistleblower alleged alteration of public records (lectern invoice). Invoice modified to add undated reimbursement note after FOIA request filed. Emails reportedly support whistleblower's claim.
Arkansas Advocate Oct 2023; Whistleblower attorney statements
1
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations. Sanders came from private sector/media (Fox News contributor) and WH Press Secretary role — no direct state government to lobbying concerns. Cabinet appointees drawn from government (FL DOE, county government) and private sector. No departing senior staff to lobbying firm scandals documented.
AR Ethics Commission Records; Governor's Staff Employment Records
3
Fraud losses
No major fraud losses in state programs. ARHOME Medicaid ($2.2B annual program, ~220K enrollees) has standard fraud controls. UI system tightened eligibility with Acts 106/196/587 (2024) requiring five work search contacts/week. Protect Arkansas Act strengthened criminal penalties for theft (e.g., catalytic converter theft now a felony under Act 264).
AR Legislative Audit Reports; AR DHS ARHOME Data; Division of Workforce Services
3
Program integrity — eligibility verification
SAVE system used for immigration status verification on public benefits. ARHOME Medicaid work requirement waiver submitted to CMS ('Pathway to Prosperity') — would require ~90K unemployed recipients to verify employment. UI Acts tightened job search requirements. SNAP benefits administered with federal eligibility standards.
AR DHS Program Records; CMS ARHOME Waiver Application; USDA SNAP Data
3
IT system modernization
Signed EO on IT modernization and cybersecurity oversight for statewide systems. Arkansas Forward (2024) includes IT integration across state agencies as key savings area — consolidating systems for efficiency. AR was pilot state for Login.gov implementation for UI system. Banned TikTok on state devices (EO 23-06). No major IT system failures or data breaches during tenure.
AR DIS; EO on IT Modernization; Arkansas Forward IT Initiatives; DOL Login.gov Pilot
2
Permit processing timeliness
Signed EO (Feb 2026) to speed permitting for economic development projects — streamlining review timelines. ADEQ permit processing stable. Secretary of State business filings operational. Arkansas Forward targets process efficiency improvements across agencies. No major permitting backlogs reported.
AR ADEQ; AR Secretary of State; EO Permitting Streamline Feb 2026
2
Child welfare system
DCFS reentry prevention meets national standard (8.3% or less) for six consecutive years. 783 adoptions finalized in 2023 (12.3 months avg from TPR — near national 12.4 avg). However, only 41% of children achieve permanent placement within 12 months — worse than 5 years ago. ~40% placed with relatives (kinship focus). HB1921 streamlined foster parent training requirements. Significant challenges remain in rural county capacity.
ACF CFSR Results — Arkansas; AR DHS DCFS Reports; Opportunity Arkansas 2025 Session Review
2
Medicaid program management
ARHOME (formerly Arkansas Works) covers ~220K-240K adults. Annual cost $2.2B. Sanders sought Medicaid work requirement waiver ('Pathway to Prosperity') from CMS — would require employment verification for ~90K unemployed recipients. Post-pandemic unwinding reduced enrollment from pandemic highs to 239,990 (Oct 2024). Program management adequate — no CMS compliance actions.
CMS Medicaid Reviews — Arkansas; AR DHS ARHOME Reports; healthinsurance.org AR Medicaid Data
2
Environmental program
ADEQ meets EPA-delegated standards for Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and RCRA implementation. No major EPA enforcement actions against state during tenure. Environmental permitting EO (Feb 2026) aims to speed review while maintaining standards. Arkansas has significant agricultural/poultry industry environmental pressures but compliance maintained.
EPA State Program Evaluations — Arkansas; AR ADEQ Reports; EO Permitting Feb 2026
2
Transportation project delivery
ArDOT maintains 16,400 miles of state highways. Federal IIJA funds being deployed for bridge and road improvements. $1.024B BEAD broadband allocation approved Nov 2025 — construction expected 2026. 19th Airlift Wing (Little Rock AFB) conducts 3,500 C-130 missions annually supporting state logistics. Standard project delivery with no major delays or cost overruns documented.
AR DOT Project Status Reports; FHWA IIJA Allocations; NTIA BEAD AR Approval Nov 2025
2
Unemployment insurance system
UI trust fund AHCM 1.13 (above minimum solvency standard). Unemployment ~3.7% (Jul 2025) — below national average. Acts 106/196/587 (2024) reduced max UI benefit duration, required five work search contacts/week, tightened eligibility. AR was DOL pilot state for Login.gov UI modernization. New employer tax rate reduced to 2.0% (2025). UI system functional with no backlogs.
DOL UI Performance Data; BLS LAUS; DOL Trust Fund Solvency Report 2024; AR DWS
2
Veterans services
Arkansas DVA provides standard veteran services. ACCESS Act (2025) established Arkansas Heroes Scholarship for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients. Military contributes $4.5B annually to AR economy and 67,000 jobs. Little Rock AFB ($782M+ impact, 7,500 personnel), Camp Robinson (32,000 acres, National Guard HQ), Pine Bluff Arsenal all maintained. Home Base Arkansas initiative promotes military-friendly employment.
AR DVA; VA State Grant Data; Home Base Arkansas; Site Selection Magazine Military Economic Impact
2
Housing program effectiveness
Arkansas has very affordable housing — most affordable state per US News 2025. Median rent $946 vs national $1,639. Limited homelessness compared to high-cost states.
Census ACS; BEA RPP Arkansas
2
Corrections system
Arkansas has 3rd highest incarceration rate nationally — 912/100K, ~24K total behind bars (2022). ADC capacity 15,362 beds but 18,997 sentenced (Dec 2025) — 1,852 held in county jails awaiting prison beds. Protect Arkansas Act (2023) mandates 100% sentence for worst offenders — will increase overcrowding for decade+. Sanders requested $470M for new 3,000-bed Franklin County prison. Prison population up 32.8% since 2012. Recidivism high — 90,700 Arkansans under correctional control (Jul 2024).
BJS NPS — Arkansas; AR DOC Population Reports Dec 2025; Protect Arkansas Act (Act 659); Arkansas Advocate Dec 2025
1
Federal funding captured
Captures most federal formula funding. ARHOME Medicaid expansion provides $2.2B annually in federal/state funds for ~220K adults. $1.024B BEAD broadband allocation secured. FEMA disaster aid: $49M+ for Mar 2023 tornadoes, additional allocations for 2024-2025 events. Military installations bring $4.5B annual federal economic impact. IIJA infrastructure funds being deployed.
USASpending.gov — Arkansas; NTIA BEAD; FEMA PA Records; Home Base Arkansas
2
Federal corrective action plans
No major federal corrective actions during tenure. Single Audit shows compliance with federal grant requirements. No EPA consent decrees, HUD findings, or DOJ corrective action plans against state agencies. FEMA disaster funds managed without compliance issues. BEAD broadband plan approved by NTIA Nov 2025 after meeting all federal requirements.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse — Arkansas; NTIA BEAD Approval; EPA/HUD/DOJ Records
3
Interstate cooperation
Joined multi-state GOP governor coalition on border security — visited TX-Mexico border with 14 governors (Jan 2024). Deployed AR National Guard to TX border twice (2023, 2024). Member of Republican Governors Association. Joined multi-state lawsuits supporting federal immigration enforcement. Standard participation in interstate compacts (SREB, MHCC, etc.).
Interstate Compact Records; Republican Governors Association; Multi-State Border Coalition
3
Local government relations
Standard state-local relations. LEARNS Act impacts school districts statewide — some local opposition in Little Rock (Central High walkout Mar 2023). Anti-DEI bill (Feb 2025) affects local government hiring. Anti-sanctuary law mandates local LE sign ICE partnership agreements — preempts local discretion. NW Arkansas (Bentonville/Fayetteville) economic growth benefits from state-local partnership on workforce development.
AR Municipal League; State-Local Relations; LEARNS Act Local Impact; Anti-Sanctuary Law
3
Federal litigation costs
Moderate federal litigation costs. Near-total abortion ban (trigger law) generates ongoing legal costs. Social Media Safety Act (Act 689) struck down as unconstitutional — litigation costs incurred. NAACP joined lawsuit against LEARNS Act anti-DEI provisions. Joined multi-state pro-immigration-enforcement coalitions (lower cost shared litigation). AR National Guard border deployments ($1.3M + $1.01M) are state-funded federal-support costs.
AR AG Litigation Records; US District Court Act 689 Ruling; NAACP v. LEARNS Act; Border Deployment Costs
2
Constituent response
Standard constituent response operations. Governor's office maintains phone/email/mail constituent services. Active social media presence for constituent engagement. Former WH Press Secretary background provides communication skills. FOIA restrictions on governor's schedule limit public visibility of constituent meetings. Constituent casework handled through agency referral system.
Governor's Office Internal Records; governor.arkansas.gov
3
Town halls held
Limited public town halls — preference for controlled media appearances. Significant national media presence (Fox News, conservative media, GOP events) over local constituent engagement. Delivered nationally televised GOP response to State of the Union (Feb 2023). Governor's schedule now exempt from FOIA — public cannot verify town hall frequency. Toured tornado damage areas (Mar 2023, 2025) for visible constituent engagement.
Governor's Office Schedule; Media Reports; FOIA Schedule Exemption
1
Constituent satisfaction
Morning Consult Q1 2024: 56% approve, 35% disapprove — net +21. Down from 61% approve/27% disapprove at inauguration (net +34). Decline of 13 net points. Ranked 12th most popular governor (Oct 2023) but dropped. Arkansas Poll reported lowest governor approval in 20 years. Lectern scandal and FOIA controversy drove decline. Still net positive but eroding.
Morning Consult Governor Approval Apr 2024; Arkansas Advocate Approval Coverage; Arkansas Poll
2
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against Arkansas state agencies during tenure. Governor's website meets basic accessibility standards. State facilities maintained to ADA requirements. No disability rights complaints against governor's office publicly documented.
DOJ ADA Reviews; ADA.gov State Compliance Records
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2022 election with 63.1% vs Democrat Chris Jones (33.8%) — commanding 29-point margin. First female governor of Arkansas. Youngest sitting governor at inauguration (age 40). Raised $14M+ for campaign. Father Mike Huckabee was AR governor 1996-2007. Strong personal brand from WH Press Secretary role. Next election 2026 — term-limited to two terms.
AR Secretary of State — 2022 General Election Results; FEC Campaign Finance Data
3

Section B — State Outcomes 437/975

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 ~3.7% (July 2025), below national average. BEA: GDP growth modest. Per capita income well below national average (~$30K vs ~$40K). Walmart HQ (Bentonville) drives NW Arkansas economy. Low wages remain persistent challenge despite LEARNS Act teacher salary boost.
Census 2025: AR population 3,089,060 (33rd most populated state). NW Arkansas MSA (Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers) grew 2.3% to 605,615 (2024) — 22nd fastest growth nationally. Benton County +3% (+9,318 people to 321,566). Washington County +1.6% (+4,304 to 266,184). All 40 counties that gained population had positive net migration. But southern and rural counties declining — Delta region losing population. Demographics: 72.66% White, 15.13% Black. Young population (0-19) at 25.89%. Working age (20-64) at 61.09%. NW Arkansas is Walmart HQ region — drives statewide economic growth disproportionately.
Balanced budgets maintained. Conservative fiscal approach with 1.76-2.89% annual increases. Credit ratings stable. Low debt per capita. Pension funding stable. Tax cuts enacted but budgets remain balanced. LEARNS Act EFA costs are fiscal wild card — $90M allocated FY2025 with additional $90M set aside.
FBI UCR 2024: violent crime rate 579/100K — 4th highest nationally, 61.3% above US average (~359/100K). Property crime 9.6% above national. Down from 2020 peak of 672/100K but still extremely elevated. Little Rock homicides dropped 37% (64 in 2023 to 37 in 2024). Little Rock crime rate 6,886.8/100K (2024) — highest in state. Protect Arkansas Act (2023) tightened sentencing and parole — expected to need 2,000 additional prison beds by 2040. Aggravated assault comprises ~80% of violent crime. Sanders signed enhanced trafficking penalty legislation. AR crime decline (-7% violent crime) faster than national average (-5.4%).
NAEP: 44% of 4th graders below basic in reading, 45% of 8th graders below basic in reading. 8th grade math scores not statistically different from prior testing but significantly lower than 2019. LEARNS Act raised minimum teacher salary to $50K (positive) and created voucher program. Outcomes still being measured. WalletHub ranks AR 47th in educational attainment.
Infant mortality 7.7/1K (2022) — among worst nationally, ranked 49th. Black infant mortality double white rate. Healthcare costs 11% below national (affordable) but access limited in rural areas. Arkansas Works (modified Medicaid expansion) provides some coverage. Maternal health a declared priority but outcomes poor.
ArDOT maintains 16,400 miles of state highways. IIJA/BIL federal funds being deployed for bridge/road improvements. BEAD broadband plan approved by NTIA (Nov 2025) — AR allocated significant federal broadband funding for rural connectivity gaps. FHWA bridge inventory shows AR bridges aging but no major structural failures. Rural infrastructure limited — 42 of 75 counties medically underserved (HRSA). Standard transportation project delivery. No utility grid failures comparable to TX 2021. Sanders pushing $1.7B prison construction project (2025-2026) for capacity expansion — controversial but significant infrastructure investment.
BEA RPP: 86.9 — LOWEST cost of living in nation. Most affordable state per US News 2025. Median rent $946 vs national $1,639. Healthcare costs 11% below national average. Cost of living 14% below national average overall. Extraordinary affordability.
Lectern scandal: $19K purchase from Beckett Events LLC (Virginia-based, political ties to Sanders) — market value ~$7,500. Legislative audit found 7 instances of 'potential noncompliance' with state law (FOIA, financial management, use of appropriated funds, document retention, disposal of state property). Three versions of Beckett Events invoice found — one with handwritten 'to be reimbursed' note (altered public record). Whistleblower alleged governor's office illegally altered and withheld records. DTSS excluded documents from FOIA responses — claimed 'error.' Sanders signed law shielding security/travel records from FOIA (initially proposed broader restrictions). Limited open data portal. Governor refused to engage auditors. Referred to prosecutor.
Lectern scandal — $19K purchase (market value ~$7,500), invoice altered after FOIA request, whistleblower claims records altered, referred to prosecutor. FOIA restrictions signed into law. Declining approval ratings (-13 net points). Travel spending scrutiny. AR Republican Party reimbursement arrangement questionable.
Predecessor comparison: Asa Hutchinson (R, 2015-2023) governed as pragmatic conservative — failed to get teacher pay raises through legislature during Aug 2021 special session due to lack of Republican support. Sanders made LEARNS Act (Act 237, 2023) her flagship — 'largest overhaul of education system in Arkansas history': first statewide school voucher program (EFA), $50K minimum teacher salary (largest increase), phonics mandate, dual diploma trades program. But also repealed Teacher Fair Dismissal Act (controversial). First female governor of Arkansas. Father Mike Huckabee was AR governor (1996-2007) — political dynasty. Lectern scandal (altered invoice, 7 audit findings) is unusual ethics failure. WalletHub still ranks AR 47th in educational attainment despite LEARNS reforms. Crime 4th worst nationally and health outcomes 49th (infant mortality) remain unchanged from pre-Sanders levels.
Morning Consult Q1 2024: 56% approve, 35% disapprove. Net approval declined 13 points from initial highs. Won 2022 with 63.1%. Strong initial mandate has eroded. National profile (former WH Press Secretary) brings both attention and scrutiny.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +110 (-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: 13 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
AR violent crime rate 579/100K (2024), down from 672/100K (2020) — ~14% decline. Still 4th highest nationally but declining faster than national average (-7% vs -5.4%). Positive trend under Sanders.
FBI UCR/NIBRS 2024
+1
Homicide rate relative to national average
AR homicide rate approximately 9.5/100K vs national ~6.3/100K — roughly 50% above average. Little Rock homicides dropped 37% (64 to 37) in 2024. Still significantly elevated statewide.
FBI UCR; CDC WONDER
-1
Homicide clearance rate
AR homicide clearance rate approximately 45-50%. Near national average. Little Rock PD clearance improving with crime decline. Statewide data mixed across jurisdictions.
FBI UCR; AR State Police
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
AR law enforcement staffing near 2.0-2.2/1K. State Police and local departments face recruitment challenges. Protect Arkansas Act (2023) increases demand for corrections staff. Moderate staffing levels.
FBI LEOKA; BJS
0
Drug overdose death rate trend
AR drug overdose death rate approximately 22-25/100K, increased modestly during recent years. Fentanyl presence growing. Rate increase ~10-15%. Some treatment investment but outcomes still declining.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
-1
Emergency management preparedness
AR Division of Emergency Management meets most FEMA capability targets. Tornado response adequate. State managed severe weather events during tenure. Standard preparedness for tornado-prone state.
FEMA SPR; THIRA
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
AR experienced severe tornado events (2023-2024). Response generally effective with FEMA declarations secured promptly. No major response failures documented. Standard performance.
FEMA after-action reports
+1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
AR has approximately 12,700 bridges; deficiency rate near 8-10%. Roads in mixed condition. ArDOT maintains 16,400 miles. IIJA funds being deployed. Average infrastructure condition.
FHWA NBI; ArDOT
0
Water and dam safety compliance
AR generally meets EPA SDWA standards. No major drinking water crises. Dam safety program adequate. Minor violations corrected. Standard compliance.
EPA SDWIS; ASDSO
+1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
AR uninsured rate approximately 8-10%. Arkansas Works (modified Medicaid expansion) provides coverage. Rural access remains limited — 42 of 75 counties medically underserved (HRSA).
Census ACS; KFF
0
Maternal mortality rate
AR maternal mortality rate approximately 30-40/100K. Above national average. Sanders declared maternal health a priority but outcomes still poor. Rural healthcare access limits progress.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
-1
Infant mortality rate
AR infant mortality 7.7/1K (2022) — ranked 49th nationally. Black infant mortality double white rate. Among worst in nation. Critical child welfare failure despite some investment.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
-2
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
AR has Castle Doctrine + Stand Your Ground + no duty to retreat anywhere lawfully present + civil immunity for lawful self-defense. Comprehensive self-defense framework.
AR statutes; NRA-ILA
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
AR has death penalty with mandatory appellate review. Post-conviction DNA access available. Clemency board exists. Some safeguards in place with minor gaps.
DPIC; AR statutes
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
AR suicide rate approximately 18-19/100K — above national average. Limited state-specific prevention funding. 988 integration in progress. Rate above average and not declining.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP AR
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
AR rural EMS response times often exceed 15 minutes. NFPA compliance estimated below 65% due to rural geography. Volunteer departments face staffing challenges. Below adequate threshold.
NFPA; state EMS registry
-1
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
AR has some opioid response programs. PDMP operational. Treatment access limited in rural areas. Outcomes flat — neither improving nor worsening significantly.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; AR PDMP
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
AR has veteran services through ADVA. State supplements federal VA. Average veteran population. Some programs for veteran healthcare. Standard outcomes.
VA SAIL; NASDVA; AR DVA
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
AR food safety program meets most FDA/USDA standards. Conformance above 80%. No major outbreaks linked to state inspection failures.
FDA Conformance Standards; AR Dept of Health
+1
Workplace fatality rate
AR workplace fatality rate approximately 5.5-6.5/100K FTE. Agriculture, logging, and poultry processing create occupational risks. Above adequate threshold.
BLS CFOI; OSHA
-1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
AR has DV programs but limited fatality review. DV rate near or slightly above national average. Shelter capacity adequate in urban areas but limited in rural counties.
NNEDV; BJS; AR DCFS
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
AR corrections system faces overcrowding. Protect Arkansas Act will require 2,000+ additional beds by 2040. Death rate near or slightly above national average. $1.7B prison construction planned.
BJS Mortality; AR DOC
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
AR meets most EPA NAAQS. Some nonattainment areas. Average environmental enforcement. No major pollution crises. Standard cleanup pace.
EPA Green Book; AR DEQ
0
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
AR traffic fatality rate approximately 1.5-1.7/100M VMT. Above national average. Rural road fatalities contribute significantly. Highway safety investment ongoing.
NHTSA FARS; ArDOT
-1
Sanctity of life legislative framework
AR has near-total abortion ban via trigger law (Act 180 of 2019, effective post-Dobbs). Exceptions only for life of mother in medical emergency. Among most restrictive nationally. Clinic safety regulations maintained. Sanders vigorously defends.
Guttmacher; AR statutes; Dobbs v. Jackson (2022)
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Launched $6M 10:33 Initiative faith-based wraparound services. $15M mental health/substance abuse grants.
governor.arkansas.gov; kait8.com
+1
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
Arkansas economy ranked fastest-growing. S&P upgraded bond rating to AA+. #1 for inbound movers.
businessfacilities.com
+1
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
$400M+ criminal justice package. $20M LEO recruitment. Proposed 19.8% entry-level trooper pay increase.
kark.com; eldoradonews.com
+2
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Signed Justice Reinvestment Initiative. 100-inmate recidivism pilot. Tightened parole for violent offenses.
csgjusticecenter.org
+2
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Signed EO protecting women/girls. Declared 'will not comply' with Biden Title IX changes. IDs restricted to biological sex.
arkansasonline.com
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
$30M in mental health/substance abuse crisis response. 4 Crisis Stabilization Units. Signed HB1169.
kait8.com; humanservices.arkansas.gov
+2

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: 42 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
AR is constitutional/permitless carry state (enacted 2023 under Sanders). Strong preemption. Civil liability protections for lawful carriers. Enhanced carry permits available.
AR statutes; USCCA
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions beyond federal law on semi-automatic rifles. No feature-based bans. Standard federal law only.
AR statutes; ATF
+2
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions. No preemption of local magazine laws specifically enacted but state preemption covers firearms generally.
AR statutes; NRA-ILA
+2
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
No ERPO in AR. Relies on existing due process mechanisms (involuntary commitment, criminal charges). Strong due process for all firearm proceedings.
AR statutes
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
AR enacted campus free speech legislation (Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act). Bans free speech zones at public universities. Protects invited speakers. Strong protections.
AR statutes; FIRE campus rankings
+2
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
AR has narrow anti-SLAPP protections. Common law protections exist but limited statutory framework. No comprehensive anti-SLAPP statute.
AR statutes; Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
AR enacted state RFRA. Faith-based organizations protected. No documented conflicts with religious exercise during Sanders tenure. Strong religious liberty posture.
AR statutes; Becket Fund
+2
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
AR relies on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute. Standard federal framework.
AR statutes; EFF
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
AR has some forfeiture reform but not comprehensive. Burden shift enacted. Still participates in federal equitable sharing. Moderate reform position.
IJ Policing for Profit; AR statutes
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
AR enacted post-Kelo reform via constitutional amendment (Amendment 98, 2012) restricting economic development takings. Strong protections in place.
AR Constitution Amendment 98; IJ
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
AR has relatively low regulatory burden. Permitting timelines reasonable. Business-friendly regulatory environment. No documented systemic delays.
AR regulatory data; permitting records
+1
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
AR joined multistate litigation on federal overreach issues. Sanders signed sovereignty-related legislation. Active resistance to federal mandates in education and healthcare. Strong 10th Amendment posture.
Multistate litigation dockets; AR EOs
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
AR moved toward race-neutral contracting and hiring. SFFA-compliant approach. No race-based programs post-SFFA. Executive actions promoting merit-based standards.
AR procurement data; state policy
+2
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
AR has full state preemption of local firearms laws with enforcement mechanism. Penalties for noncompliant localities. Strong preemption framework.
AR statutes; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
CRITICAL: Lectern scandal — $19K purchase, invoice altered after FOIA request, 7 audit findings of potential noncompliance. Sanders signed law shielding security/travel records from FOIA. Governor refused to engage auditors. Systematic FOIA resistance documented.
AR legislative audit; RCFP; FOIA records
-2
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
AR public defender caseloads above recommended levels (200-250%). Funding gaps documented. Rural counties face particular shortage. Below adequate standards.
Sixth Amendment Center; AR PD Commission
-1
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
AR has cash bail with modest reforms. Protect Arkansas Act tightened pretrial release for violent offenders. Standard pretrial system. Balance tilted toward public safety.
Pretrial Justice Institute; AR courts
0
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
AR has below-average regulatory burden. Business-friendly environment. Low regulatory compliance costs. Fraser Institute ranks AR favorably for economic freedom.
Mercatus RegData; Pacific Research Institute
+2
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms
AR AG defends pro-2A state laws. Files supportive amicus briefs in federal 2A cases. Pro-2A litigation posture consistent.
AR AG filings; federal court records
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
AR enacted protections against compelled speech in education and professional licensing. No mandatory DEI statements. Anti-CRT legislation limits compelled ideological speech in state institutions.
AR statutes; LEARNS Act provisions
+2
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
AR has minor interstate trade barriers. Working toward reciprocity. Generally open commerce environment. Some licensing restrictions for specific professions.
IJ licensing data; AR statutes
+1
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
AR enacted some occupational licensing reform including military spouse recognition. Some out-of-state license recognition. Moderate reform.
IJ License to Work; NCSL; AR statutes
+1
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
AR pension systems funded approximately 75-80%. Making ARC payments. Credit ratings stable. Low state debt. Generally compliant with contractual obligations.
Pew pension data; AR CAFR
+1
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
AR maintains standard jury trial access. Court system functional. Limited administrative tribunal diversion. Adequate access statewide.
AR court annual reports; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause
AR fully complies with federal immigration law. Anti-sanctuary law eradicated ALL sanctuary jurisdictions. 2025 mandatory ICE partnership law — strongest in nation. Full E-Verify compliance for state agencies. No benefits to illegal aliens beyond federal minimums.
8 USC §1373; AR anti-sanctuary law; ICE data
+3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
No QI elimination. Increased LEO pay and funding. No specific QI reform.
governor.arkansas.gov
+1
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Arkansas ranked #1 nationally for election integrity by Heritage Foundation. Perfect Voter ID score.
governor.arkansas.gov; ktlo.com
+3
Non-citizen voting prevention
Perfect Verification of Citizenship score. Photo ID required. Election Integrity Unit. Acts 998/999 ban foreign funding.
governor.arkansas.gov; katv.com
+3
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Signed Fairness in Women's Sports Act. Executive Order refusing Biden Title IX compliance. Joined by Riley Gaines.
familycouncil.org
+3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000); Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972); Parham v. J.R. (1979); 14th Amendment substantive due process
Score: 12 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
AR enacted parental rights provisions through LEARNS Act and related legislation. Parental notification and consent strengthened in education and medical contexts. Strong parental rights posture.
AR statutes; LEARNS Act
+2
Education choice — school choice programs
LEARNS Act (Act 237, 2023) created Arkansas's first universal voucher program (Education Freedom Accounts). Universal ESA for all students. Open enrollment. Robust charter sector. National model.
EdChoice; AR LEARNS Act
+3
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
AR requires parental consent for medical procedures on minors. SAFE Act reinforces parental authority over gender-transition decisions. Limited mature minor exceptions for non-emergency procedures.
AR statutes; SAFE Act
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
AR was FIRST state to ban gender-transition procedures for minors (SAFE Act, Act 626, 2021 — signed by Hutchinson, vigorously defended by Sanders in federal litigation). Comprehensive ban on puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries.
AR SAFE Act; federal litigation records
+3
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
AR child abuse rate near national average. Some CPS gaps in rural areas. Rate relatively stable during short tenure. No major systemic failures or improvements documented.
ACF NCANDS; AR DCFS
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
AR foster care system meets approximately 3 of 7 CFSR outcomes. Below average performance. Improvement plan in progress but significant gaps remain in safety and permanency.
ACF CFSR; AR DCFS
-1
Foster care — permanency outcomes
AR permanency outcomes below national median. Median time to permanency above 22 months in many cases. More than 28% in care 2+ years. System overloaded.
ACF AFCARS; AR DCFS
-1
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
AR has comprehensive trafficking statute. Sanders signed enhanced trafficking penalty legislation. Safe harbor provisions. AG enforcement active. Adequate framework.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope International; AR AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
AR NAEP 4th grade reading: approximately 27-29% at/above proficient (2022). 44% below basic. Below national average. LEARNS Act phonics mandate aims to improve but results pending.
NCES NAEP 2022
-1
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
AR NAEP 8th grade math: approximately 22-25% at/above proficient (2022). 45% below basic in reading. Below national average. WalletHub ranks AR 47th in educational attainment.
NCES NAEP 2022
-1
Parental curriculum transparency
AR enacted parental curriculum transparency provisions through LEARNS Act. Parents have right to review curriculum materials. Opt-out provisions. Public comment on textbook adoption. Strong transparency.
LEARNS Act; AR education code
+2
Social media — minor protections
AR Social Media Safety Act (Act 689) was struck down as unconstitutional by federal courts. Effort demonstrates intent but execution failed legally, incurring litigation costs.
AR Act 689; federal court ruling
-1
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
AR standard juvenile justice framework. Juvenile jurisdiction to 18. Protect Arkansas Act tightened sentencing broadly. Some mandatory transfer provisions. Average system.
JJDPA; OJJDP; AR DYS
0
Child poverty rate and state response
AR child poverty rate approximately 20-22%. Above national average of ~16%. Persistent poverty in Delta region. Low wages statewide contribute. Limited improvement during short tenure.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
-1
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
AR has subsidized adoption program. Streamlined home study. Faith-based agency protection enacted. Special-needs recruitment active. Strong adoption support framework.
ACF AFCARS; AR DCFS adoption
+2
Homeschool rights and protections
AR requires only notification — no curriculum mandates, no mandatory testing. Diploma recognition. Homeschool sports access enacted (Tim Tebow Act). Strong homeschool freedoms.
HSLDA; AR homeschool statutes
+2
Child sexual abuse material enforcement
AR participates in ICAC task force. AG enforcement adequate. Mandatory reporting compliance. Standard enforcement proportionate to state.
ICAC; NCMEC; AR AG
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
AR has school safety grants. SRO program in many schools. Threat assessment protocols. Emergency planning. Some school hardening initiatives funded.
NASRO; AR school safety legislation
+1
Children's mental health services access
AR school counselor ratio approximately 550-700:1. Limited investment. Crisis services limited in rural areas. 42 of 75 counties medically underserved. Below adequate access.
ASCA; AR mental health authority
-1
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
AR provides religious and philosophical exemptions for school vaccination. Informed consent approach. Parental decision respected. Broad exemption protections.
NCSL vaccination data; AR immunization statutes
+2
Child care affordability and access
AR child care subsidy eligibility limited. Waitlists significant in some areas. Low wages make child care unaffordable despite low cost of living. Rural child care deserts.
ACF CCDF; AR child care data
-1
Education — teacher quality and retention
LEARNS Act raised minimum teacher salary to $50K — largest increase in AR history. However, repealed Teacher Fair Dismissal Act (controversial). Retention outcomes still being measured. Mixed signals.
NCES; AR Agency of Education
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
AR child food insecurity approximately 20-22%. Above national average. High child poverty correlates with food insecurity. School meal programs active but gaps in summer and rural areas.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
-1
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
AR has standard due process framework for child removal. Judicial review required. Appointed counsel in TPR proceedings. Average protections with some gaps in rural courts.
AR child welfare statutes; ABA
0
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
AR generally 'Needs Assistance' on OSEP determinations. Most districts working toward compliance. Special education funding adequate but some gaps. Average performance.
OSEP annual determinations; AR special education
0

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Article IV, Section 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: 43 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Balanced budgets maintained. Conservative fiscal approach with 1.76-2.89% annual increases. No budget gimmicks. Reserves maintained. Strong fiscal management.
AR CAFR; NASBO
+2
State credit rating stability
AR credit ratings stable. AA from major agencies. No downgrades during tenure. Adequate but not top-tier ratings.
S&P; Moody's; Fitch
+1
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
AR rainy day fund approximately 7-10% of general fund. Adequate reserves. No raids for non-emergency purposes. Standard stabilization framework.
NASBO; Pew; AR CAFR
+1
Pension system funding responsibility
AR pension systems funded approximately 75-80%. Making required ARC payments. Funded ratio adequate. No pension holidays or significant concerns.
Pew pension data; AR pension CAFR
+1
State debt burden
AR debt per capita well below national median. Constitutional debt limits enforced. Low debt-to-GDP ratio. Among most fiscally conservative states.
Census; Moody's; AR Treasurer
+2
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
AR state workforce near national median per capita. Some efficiency reforms. Standard government size for population. Not notably efficient or inefficient.
Census public employment survey
0
Inspector General / state auditor independence
CRITICAL: Sanders refused to engage legislative auditors during lectern investigation. Governor's office obstructed audit process. 7 findings of potential noncompliance. DTSS excluded documents from FOIA. Significant resistance to independent oversight.
AR Legislative Audit; ALGA
-2
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Lectern scandal: $19K purchase from politically connected vendor (market value ~$7,500). Invoice altered after FOIA request — three versions found. Whistleblower alleged illegal alteration and withholding of records. Referred to prosecutor. Multiple ethics concerns.
AR Legislative Audit; media investigations
-2
Executive order restraint
EOs within constitutional bounds during short tenure. No EOs struck down by courts. Volume within historical norms for first-term governor. Standard usage.
AR EO database; court records
+1
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
No significant emergency power controversies during Sanders tenure. Standard emergency management. No extended declarations or overreach documented.
AR emergency statutes; legislative records
+1
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Very low veto override rate — Republican trifecta with aligned legislature. Vetoes measured and upheld. Productive conservative legislation signed. Strong executive-legislative cooperation.
AR legislative records
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Sanders judicial appointments generally qualified. Standard process followed. No documented patronage concerns. Adequate appointment quality for short tenure.
AR Judicial Nominating Commission
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
LEARNS Act implementation ongoing with significant policy changes deployed. Most legislation implemented within timelines. Rulemaking in progress for newer laws. Active execution.
AR agency rulemaking; LEARNS Act implementation
+1
Federal fund utilization — grant management
BEAD broadband plan approved by NTIA. IIJA funds being deployed. Standard federal fund management. No major audit findings or clawbacks documented.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; USAspending.gov
+1
Public approval as competence indicator
Morning Consult Q1 2024: 56% approve. Won 2022 with 63.1%. Net approval declined 13 points from initial highs. Above 50% but declining. Adequate but not strong.
Morning Consult; election results
+1
State IT security and data protection
AR has standard cybersecurity framework. CISO position exists. No major breaches reported during tenure. Basic IT security posture.
NASCIO; AR state auditor
0
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
AR capital budget execution near 70-79%. $1.7B prison construction planned — significant capital investment. Standard infrastructure delivery. ASCE grade C for AR.
ASCE; ArDOT; AR budget
0
Disaster fund readiness
AR emergency fund adequate for tornado-prone state. FEMA cost-share obligations met. Pre-positioned resources for severe weather. Standard readiness.
FEMA; AR emergency management
+1
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
AR UI trust fund adequate. Processing within federal timelines. Standard fraud controls. Low unemployment (~3.7%) supports system solvency.
DOL UI Data Summary; AR DWS
+1
Medicaid program integrity
AR Medicaid (Arkansas Works) has standard error rates. Modified expansion creates unique compliance profile. Some CMS compliance actions historically. Average integrity.
CMS PERM; AR DHS
0
Election administration — constitutional compliance
AR has voter ID requirement. Paper ballot trail. Post-election audits conducted. Voter roll maintenance standard. Generally compliant election administration.
EAC EAVS; Verified Voting; AR SOS
+1
Transparency — state budget accessibility
AR has basic budget documents posted online. Transparency.arkansas.gov exists but limited checkbook-level detail. FOIA issues (lectern scandal) undermine transparency credibility. Average accessibility.
U.S. PIRG; AR transparency portal
0
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
AR fully complies with lawful federal requirements including immigration law. Active resistance to federal overreach (education mandates, healthcare mandates). Strong 10th Amendment posture balanced with compliance. Model state-federal relations.
Federal compliance records; DOJ; NGA
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
LG Leslie Rutledge in place. Standard COOP plan. Clear succession chain. Adequate continuity planning.
AR Constitution; FEMA COOP
+1
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
Lectern scandal exposed procurement irregularities. $19K purchase from politically connected vendor at inflated price. Invoice altered. Audit findings of noncompliance. Procurement integrity significantly compromised.
AR Legislative Audit; procurement records
-2
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Gas tax $0.247/gallon, below average. No cap-and-trade.
dfa.arkansas.gov
+1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Arkansas electricity 9.22 cents/kWh, well below national. Signed Generating Arkansas Jobs Act.
consumerenergyalliance.org
+2
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
All-of-the-above energy: nuclear (22%), hydro, natural gas. No forced mandates.
consumerenergyalliance.org
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Increased Homestead Credit from $425 to $600. Amendment 79 caps at 5%. Frozen for seniors.
newsweek.com; arkansasonline.com
+2
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Four rounds of income/corporate tax cuts. Top rate cut from 4.4% to 3.9%.
taxfoundation.org
+1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
No major unfunded mandates. Tax cuts offset local fiscal pressure.
governor.arkansas.gov
+1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Ranked #1 lowest cost of living. Four rounds of tax cuts saving half billion annually.
businessfacilities.com; taxfoundation.org
+2
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act. Expanded sanctuary ban. Mandated 287(g) participation.
nwahomepage.com
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
10:33 Initiative targets poverty with faith-based services. No major scandal.
kait8.com
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
No specific enforcement policy found. Lower homelessness rates. Neutral posture.
General research
+1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Ranked #1 state for inbound movers. Net gain of 33 adults per 10,000.
businessfacilities.com; census.gov
+3
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Record capital investment. S&P bond upgrade. Four rounds of tax cuts.
businessfacilities.com
+2
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
Created Election Integrity Unit. Criminal justice package tightened sentencing.
publicnewsservice.org
+1
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Heritage Foundation #1. Perfect Voter ID. Acts 998/999. Strong chain-of-custody.
governor.arkansas.gov; ktlo.com
+3
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of agency weaponization. Lecterngate cleared.
katv.com; arkansasadvocate.com
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
First state to enforce foreign land ban. Banned TikTok Day 1. HB1680. Led 16-governor coalition.
foxnews.com; kark.com
+3
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