Alabama Governor Ivey Returns Home After Medical Procedure

Ivey signs Public Service Commission overhaul bill while recovering

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A serene, painterly depiction of the Alabama State Capitol building, its grand architecture and columns cast in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political significance and civic pride.The Alabama State Capitol stands as a symbol of the state's ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with affordability for residents.Montgomery Today

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has returned home after a two-night hospital stay for a minor medical procedure to remove fluid from her lung. During her recovery, Ivey remained engaged in legislative matters and signed a bill to expand and restructure the state's Public Service Commission.

Why it matters

Ivey's health and ability to govern are closely watched, as she is a prominent Republican leader in the state. The Public Service Commission overhaul bill is also significant, as it aims to provide broader representation on the commission that regulates utilities and energy policy.

The details

Ivey's office said the fluid pressing against her lung has been fully removed and she will have no long-term issues. While hospitalized, Ivey continued to work on legislative matters, including signing House Bill 475 to expand the Public Service Commission from 3 to 7 elected members. Ivey will make 4 initial appointments to the expanded commission and also appoint a new cabinet-level energy secretary position.

  • Ivey returned home on Thursday, April 2, 2026 after a two-night hospital stay.
  • The Alabama Legislature passed the Public Service Commission overhaul bill during the final three days of the 2026 legislative session.

The players

Gov. Kay Ivey

The Republican Governor of Alabama who recently underwent a minor medical procedure and signed a bill to restructure the state's Public Service Commission.

House Bill 475

Legislation passed by the Alabama Legislature to expand the Public Service Commission from 3 to 7 elected members and create a new cabinet-level energy secretary position.

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What they’re saying

“'The fluid that previously pressed against her lung has been 100% percent removed and cleared, and she will have no short or long-term challenges related to this issue.'”

— Gina Maiola, Spokeswoman for Gov. Kay Ivey

“'Alabama is a top 10 state when it comes to cost of living, and we are the number one state for plain affordability. As I have said before, for Alabama to remain the best state to live, work and raise a family, we have to grow the state, while keeping our cost of living low.'”

— Gov. Kay Ivey

What’s next

Ivey plans to work from the Governor's Mansion on Thursday afternoon and through the weekend, and looks forward to returning to the state Capitol next week as the legislative session concludes.

The takeaway

Ivey's swift recovery and continued engagement in state business during her brief hospital stay underscores her commitment to governing Alabama. The Public Service Commission overhaul also represents a significant policy change that aims to provide broader representation on the influential regulatory body.