Alabama § 41-1-5 - Nepotism in State Service Prohibited.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 41-1-5 — Nepotism in State Service Prohibited., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 41-1-5. Nepotism in State Service Prohibited.
(a) No officer or employee of the state or of any state department, board, bureau, committee, commission, institution, corporation, authority, or other agency of the state shall appoint, or enter a personal service contract with, any person related to him or her within the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity to any job, position, or office of profit with the state or with any of its agencies.
(b) Any person within the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity of the agency head or appointing authority, the appointing authority’s designee, deputy director, assistant director, or associate director shall be ineligible to serve in any capacity with the state under authority of such an appointment, and any appointment so attempted shall be void. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the continued employment of any person who is employed as a public employee as of August 1, 2013, nor shall it be construed to hinder, alter, or in any way affect normal promotional advancements under the state Merit System for the employee.
(c) Any person within the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity of a public employee shall not be the immediate supervisor for or in the chain of command of, or participate in the hiring, evaluation, reassignment, promotion, or discipline of, the public employee within any state department, board, bureau, committee, commission, institution, corporation, authority, or other agency of the state.
(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both. A willful violation of this section shall subject the public employee and the person or persons within the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity of the public employee to disciplinary action, up to and including separation from state service.
(e) This section shall not apply to any city or county board of education.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 41-1-5
What does Code of Alabama § 41-1-5 cover?
Section 41-1-5 ("Nepotism in State Service Prohibited.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 41-1-5?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 41-1-5" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 41-1-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.