The Utah House on Feb. 3 approved SB 25, a package of technical and modest reforms to Utah Retirement Systems that includes an exemption allowing immediate vesting of employer contributions for certain senior attorney general staff; the measure passed 70–1 after questions on retention incentives.

Senators debated a substitute to update or repeal statutes for dozens of boards and commissions and to rename/division references to match current practice. Sponsor Sen. Jefferson said changes reflect activity now done inside agencies; the chamber adopted a sponsor amendment and laid the measure on the informal calendar for more work.

Supporters said appointment would improve professionalism and allow counties to remove problematic elected coroners; opponents, including elected coroners, said appointment risks political pressure and removes an independent check such as the inquest.

Bridal Style said he hopes Congress will return to reopen and fund the federal government, and called for stronger U.S.-Mexico border security and enforcement of immigration laws, urging passage of bills previously approved by the House.

The speaker said ICE is "occupying" Minneapolis, accused federal agents of "terrorizing" residents, demanded ICE leave Minnesota and Maine and called for new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security and reforms to immigration enforcement.

Allegheny County Council introduced a referendum to place term limits on the county chief executive on the May 19, 2026 primary ballot and read several other ordinances (on immigrant access to county services, jail code changes, procurement, tax exemptions and ethics). Council staff said each item will be referred to relevant committees for review.

County staff told a packed town hall they are considering dissolving or overhauling subordinate governmental service districts (SGSDs), citing administrative strain, inconsistent compliance and legal questions; residents and contractors urged fixes, not elimination, and flagged emergency access and property‑value risks.

SB 1234 would standardize residential permit forms, set permit validity periods and exempt certain low‑value nonstructural work from permitting; Miami‑Dade officials warned the bill could reduce building‑official oversight of private providers, and industry representatives defended the private‑provider model.

SB 548 would require plan‑based studies for extraordinary circumstances, cap extraordinary‑circumstance increases at 100% phased over four years, and tighten timelines and refund procedures. Local governments and the League of Cities supported the plan‑based approach while raising questions about appropriate thresholds and implementation.

Senate members adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 2017, which lists 22 boards and commissions identified as inactive; the chamber approved the substitute and the measure passed by an afternoon roll call after a brief question about a $47,000 listed appropriation.

By Sheila Ramalingam The Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act 2025 (Act 867) came into force on 1 December 2025. The Act marks a significant and commendable milestone in Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to modernise public administration, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and improve the quality of government service delivery. It applies to the Federal Government and federal Government entities, although State Governments and local authorities may participate on a voluntary basis. At the heart of the Act are the Principles of Commitment set out in section 5. These principles require Government service delivery to be efficient, effective, and easily accessible; grounded in ethical, […]

Mayor and treasurer presented a plan to create a consolidated finance department (CAFO, comptroller, director of internal audit, director of technical assistance) intended to strengthen controls and align city and school financial systems; staff said ordinance changes must precede union bargaining and hiring and projected modest future savings.

Republican and local officials supported lengthening some Merrimack County offices from two to four years for continuity; other lawmakers and residents argued it reduces accountability. The committee recommended ITL on HB 1689 in executive session.

The Special Charter Review Committee signaled support for keeping a 1–2 year eligibility list, replacing the strict 'rule of three' with a '3 whole scores' approach, and permitting civilian probation extensions up to 18 months while retaining a 12-month cap for public-safety positions; staff will return formal redlines for a vote.

At a Jan. 6 meeting, commissioners and petitioners debated how to restructure the Nantucket Regional Commission's membership — including whether at-large seats should be elected or appointed, sector representation, and term limits — and agreed to let staff draft merged language for review at a follow-up meeting. No formal vote was taken.

Independent auditors gave Colleton County an unmodified (clean) opinion on its FY25 financial statements and single audit, but council heard that the general fund balance fell by about $4 million to an unassigned balance near $2.9 million, prompting plans for follow-up budget and finance sessions.