diff --git a/lemur/authorities/models.py b/lemur/authorities/models.py
index f042f773..61ab779e 100644
--- a/lemur/authorities/models.py
+++ b/lemur/authorities/models.py
@@ -93,9 +93,11 @@ class Authority(db.Model):
         if not self.options:
             return None
 
-        for option in json.loads(self.options):
-            if "name" in option and option["name"] == 'cab_compliant':
-                return option["value"]
+        options_array = json.loads(self.options)
+        if isinstance(options_array, list):
+            for option in options_array:
+                if "name" in option and option["name"] == 'cab_compliant':
+                    return option["value"]
 
         return None