Bicameral Consideration of Xylazine Legislation
PORAC applauds the recent progress of the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (S. 545 / H.R. 1266) in both the House and Senate. Led by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), the bill would classify xylazine, or “tranq,” as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act and empower the Drug Enforcement Administration to track its manufacturing. This month, the bill was discussed in a legislative hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was favorably reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full House and Senate. The strong bipartisan and bicameral support underscores Congress’s commitment to addressing the threat posed by xylazine.
Public Sector Employees’ Retirement Benefits
After the 2025 repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset under the Social Security Fairness Act, millions of public servants and police officers began receiving long-overdue, retroactive lump-sum Social Security payments. However, these payments are being treated as ordinary taxable income for the 2025 tax year, creating an unexpectedly steep tax burden for retirees.
PORAC has endorsed the No Tax on Restored Benefits Act (H.R. 7361), introduced by Reps. Lance Gooden (R-TX-5) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1). This legislation establishes a special gross income tax exclusion for retroactive payments issued under the Social Security Fairness Act, ensuring retirees are not penalized for finally receiving benefits they earned decades ago.
PORAC is working with the same coalition that secured passage of the Social Security Fairness Act to advance this measure. Other endorsing organizations include the National Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, among others.
White House Releases National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence
In December 2025, President Trump signed an executive order, Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence, aiming to create a minimally burdensome federal policy framework and preempt onerous state AI laws.
The White House expanded upon this effort in mid-March, publishing a framework for federal AI legislation. Some priorities identified in the framework include enacting child safety requirements, protecting free speech, promoting innovation, and developing an AI-ready workforce. While the framework calls on Congress to enact legislation that would supersede some state laws deemed burdensome to innovation, it cautions against preempting those related to zoning for AI infrastructure, consumer protection, and fraud.
Recognizing both the benefits and risks of AI for law enforcement, and the need for its thoughtful integration to support officers, PORAC is closely monitoring federal developments and will continue advocating for law enforcement to have a seat at the table as Congress considers AI legislation.