SSA Terminology Changes: Gender to Sex

The Social Security Administration issued a final rule making technical amendments to 20 CFR Part 404 to replace the term "gender" with "sex" throughout the Listing of Impairments used to evaluate disability claims. This change aligns SSA regulatory text with Executive Order 14168, which requires federal agencies to use "sex" instead of "gender" when administering sex-based distinctions. The amendments take effect May 4, 2026.

New Postal Products - Competitive Negotiated Service Agreements

The Postal Regulatory Commission published a Federal Register notice regarding Postal Service filings for competitive negotiated service agreements. The notice identifies dockets MC2026-177 through MC2026-180 and K2026-177 through K2026-180 and invites public comments on whether the proposals comply with title 39 policies. This is a routine administrative notice as part of the Commission's public proceeding process.

Peabody Museum Rockwell Museum complete NAGPRA inventories 2nd Apr

Peabody Museum Rockwell Museum complete NAGPRA inventories 2nd Apr

Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications and Rockfish Program Allocations

NMFS published final 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications for Gulf of Alaska groundfish and 2026 Rockfish Program cooperative allocations. The temporary rule establishes species-specific catch limits and cooperative allocations for catcher vessel and catcher/processor cooperatives under the Rockfish Program. Allocations are effective from April 1 through December 31, 2026.

Marine mammal takes, Homer Harbor float replacement, Alaska

Marine mammal takes, Homer Harbor float replacement, Alaska

Administrative Law Judges Withdrawal

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has formally withdrawn its 2020 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have revised regulations governing the appointment and employment of administrative law judges (ALJs). The withdrawal affects federal hiring procedures under RIN 3206-AN72 and Docket ID OPM-2025-0274. OPM cited that comments received in 2020 are over five years old and that agencies have already implemented Executive Order 13843 through separate channels.

Public schools civics instruction requirement

Arizona SB1572 passed the Senate on February 26, 2026, establishing a new civics instruction requirement for public schools. Sponsored by Senators Mark Finchem and Vince Leach, the bill creates the 'Return To Civics Instruction Act' and includes Celebrate Freedom Week provisions.

Agencies Immigration Data Sharing

Arizona SB1520 passed the Senate on February 25, 2026, establishing new data sharing requirements between state agencies regarding immigration information. The bill, sponsored by Senators Wendy Rogers and Mark Finchem, cleared both chambers after House Committee of the Whole approval on April 1, 2026. The legislation includes provisions related to undocumented immigrants and visa overstays with a delayed repeal clause.

Law enforcement; reinstatement; costs

Arizona SB1493 passed both chambers of the 57th Legislature (Second Regular Session 2026) on April 1, 2026, after Senate passage on February 26, 2026. The bill establishes new requirements regarding costs associated with the reinstatement of law enforcement officers following termination or disciplinary action appeals. Sponsored by Senator Kevin Payne (R).

GPLET Tax Abatement Limitation Changes

Arizona SB1293 passed both chambers, amending Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) abatement provisions. The bill establishes new limitations on tax abatements for government-leased property improvements. Key changes include a requirement that qualifying abatement agreements be limited to a single central business district, affecting how municipalities can offer tax incentives for development on government-owned land.