MONTGOMERY, ALA. – Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her State of the State address Tuesday evening, opening Alabama’s 2025 legislative session with a focus on education reform, economic momentum, and a comprehensive public safety plan aimed at reducing gun violence and supporting law enforcement.
“It is an honor to join you all this evening as we begin another productive legislative session. From Rainsville to Cullman…Huntsville to Birmingham…Tuscaloosa to the Loveliest Village on the Plains…from the Black Belt to the Wiregrass…from our Capital City to Mobile…and yes…all the way to the Gulf of America…we live in the greatest state in the greatest nation on Earth,” Ivey began.
Ivey highlighted Alabama’s progress in education, citing the success of the CHOOSE Act, the Alabama Literacy and Numeracy Acts, and the Turnaround Schools Initiative, which has helped improve reading and math scores statewide. She praised Miss America winner Abbie Stockard, an Alabama native. She recognized students and teachers for their achievements, particularly those at Danville-Neel Elementary, which led the state in math improvement.
The governor then turned her attention to public safety, unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and supporting law enforcement. Among the key measures, Ivey pledged to enhance penalties for dangerous felons caught with firearms, ban illegal Glock switches, and expand Aniah’s Law, which allows judges to deny bail for violent offenders. She also called for strengthening juvenile supervision programs for high-risk youth and boosting the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit to combat inner-city violence.
Additionally, Ivey emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement with legal protections and scholarships for their dependents, saying, “Y’all, our men and women in blue put everything on the line. They need to know: Alabama has their backs.”
Ivey also voiced support for the Second Chance Act, a reform aimed at reserving prison resources for the most serious offenders while providing alternatives for non-violent individuals. She reaffirmed her commitment to building a safer Alabama while continuing the construction of two new men’s prisons and increasing the number of trained corrections officers.
The governor closed by encouraging bipartisan cooperation to pass responsible budgets and legislation that will continue improving the lives of Alabamians:
“Y’all, I am proud of Alabama. I am proud of our citizens. I am proud to continue leading our state forward. And I am humbled to be a governor of all the people. The people of Alabama deserve our very best. Future generations of Alabamians deserve our hardest work today. This is our opportunity. So, let’s not waste a moment. Thank you, and may God continue to bless each of you and the great state of Alabama!”
Ivey’s address laid out an ambitious agenda for the year ahead, with education and public safety as top priorities to build a stronger, more secure Alabama.
