diff --git a/permission/types/permissions.go b/permission/types/permissions.go
index 4eeec55c..74242ae4 100644
--- a/permission/types/permissions.go
+++ b/permission/types/permissions.go
@@ -17,19 +17,29 @@ type PermFlag uint64
 
 // Base permission references are like unix (the index is already bit shifted)
 const (
-	Root               PermFlag = 1 << iota // 1
-	Send                                    // 2
-	Call                                    // 4
-	CreateContract                          // 8
-	CreateAccount                           // 16
-	Bond                                    // 32
-	Name                                    // 64
-	NumBasePermissions uint     = 7         // NOTE Adjust this too.
+	// chain permissions
+	Root           PermFlag = 1 << iota // 1
+	Send                                // 2
+	Call                                // 4
+	CreateContract                      // 8
+	CreateAccount                       // 16
+	Bond                                // 32
+	Name                                // 64
 
-	TopBasePermFlag      PermFlag = 1 << (NumBasePermissions - 1)
-	AllBasePermFlags     PermFlag = TopBasePermFlag | (TopBasePermFlag - 1)
-	AllPermFlags         PermFlag = AllBasePermFlags | AllSNativePermFlags
-	DefaultBasePermFlags PermFlag = Send | Call | CreateContract | CreateAccount | Bond | Name
+	// moderator permissions
+	HasBase
+	SetBase
+	UnsetBase
+	SetGlobal
+	HasRole
+	AddRole
+	RmRole
+
+	NumPermissions uint = 14 // NOTE Adjust this too. We can support upto 64
+
+	TopPermFlag      PermFlag = 1 << (NumPermissions - 1)
+	AllPermFlags     PermFlag = TopPermFlag | (TopPermFlag - 1)
+	DefaultPermFlags PermFlag = Send | Call | CreateContract | CreateAccount | Bond | Name | HasBase | HasRole
 )
 
 var (
@@ -39,7 +49,7 @@ var (
 	}
 	DefaultAccountPermissions = AccountPermissions{
 		Base: BasePermissions{
-			Perms:  DefaultBasePermFlags,
+			Perms:  DefaultPermFlags,
 			SetBit: AllPermFlags,
 		},
 		Roles: []string{},
@@ -154,16 +164,8 @@ func (aP *AccountPermissions) RmRole(role string) bool {
 //--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // string utilities
 
-// CONTRACT: PermFlagToString functions assume the permFlag is valid, else return "#-UNKNOWN-#"
-func PermFlagToString(pf PermFlag) string {
-	if pf < FirstSNativePermFlag {
-		return BasePermFlagToString(pf)
-	} else {
-		return SNativePermFlagToString(pf)
-	}
-}
-
-func BasePermFlagToString(pf PermFlag) (perm string) {
+// PermFlagToString assumes the permFlag is valid, else returns "#-UNKNOWN-#"
+func PermFlagToString(pf PermFlag) (perm string) {
 	switch pf {
 	case Root:
 		perm = "root"
@@ -179,13 +181,27 @@ func BasePermFlagToString(pf PermFlag) (perm string) {
 		perm = "bond"
 	case Name:
 		perm = "name"
+	case HasBase:
+		perm = "has_base"
+	case SetBase:
+		perm = "set_base"
+	case UnsetBase:
+		perm = "unset_base"
+	case SetGlobal:
+		perm = "set_global"
+	case HasRole:
+		perm = "has_role"
+	case AddRole:
+		perm = "add_role"
+	case RmRole:
+		perm = "rm_role"
 	default:
 		perm = "#-UNKNOWN-#"
 	}
 	return
 }
 
-func BasePermStringToFlag(perm string) (pf PermFlag, err error) {
+func PermStringToFlag(perm string) (pf PermFlag, err error) {
 	switch perm {
 	case "root":
 		pf = Root
@@ -201,6 +217,20 @@ func BasePermStringToFlag(perm string) (pf PermFlag, err error) {
 		pf = Bond
 	case "name":
 		pf = Name
+	case "has_base":
+		pf = HasBase
+	case "set_base":
+		pf = SetBase
+	case "unset_base":
+		pf = UnsetBase
+	case "set_global":
+		pf = SetGlobal
+	case "has_role":
+		pf = HasRole
+	case "add_role":
+		pf = AddRole
+	case "rm_role":
+		pf = RmRole
 	default:
 		err = fmt.Errorf("Unknown permission %s", perm)
 	}
diff --git a/permission/types/snatives.go b/permission/types/snatives.go
index b7537477..5057bd42 100644
--- a/permission/types/snatives.go
+++ b/permission/types/snatives.go
@@ -1,66 +1,40 @@
 package types
 
 import (
-	"fmt"
-
 	"github.com/tendermint/tendermint/binary"
 )
 
 //---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// snative permissions
+// PermissionsTx.PermArgs interface and argument encoding
 
-const (
-	// first 32 bits of BasePermission are for chain, second 32 are for snative
-	FirstSNativePermFlag PermFlag = 1 << 32
-)
-
-// we need to reset iota with new const block
-const (
-	// each snative has an associated permission flag
-	HasBase PermFlag = FirstSNativePermFlag << iota
-	SetBase
-	UnsetBase
-	SetGlobal
-	HasRole
-	AddRole
-	RmRole
-	NumSNativePermissions uint = 7 // NOTE adjust this too
-
-	TopSNativePermFlag  PermFlag = FirstSNativePermFlag << (NumSNativePermissions - 1)
-	AllSNativePermFlags PermFlag = (TopSNativePermFlag | (TopSNativePermFlag - 1)) &^ (FirstSNativePermFlag - 1)
-)
-
-//---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// snative tx interface and argument encoding
-
-// SNativesArgs are a registered interface in the SNativeTx,
-// so binary handles the arguments and each snative gets a type-byte
+// Arguments are a registered interface in the PermissionsTx,
+// so binary handles the arguments and each permission function gets a type-byte
 // PermFlag() maps the type-byte to the permission
-// The account sending the SNativeTx must have this PermFlag set
-type SNativeArgs interface {
+// The account sending the PermissionsTx must have this PermFlag set
+type PermArgs interface {
 	PermFlag() PermFlag
 }
 
 const (
-	SNativeArgsTypeHasBase   = byte(0x01)
-	SNativeArgsTypeSetBase   = byte(0x02)
-	SNativeArgsTypeUnsetBase = byte(0x03)
-	SNativeArgsTypeSetGlobal = byte(0x04)
-	SNativeArgsTypeHasRole   = byte(0x05)
-	SNativeArgsTypeAddRole   = byte(0x06)
-	SNativeArgsTypeRmRole    = byte(0x07)
+	PermArgsTypeHasBase   = byte(0x01)
+	PermArgsTypeSetBase   = byte(0x02)
+	PermArgsTypeUnsetBase = byte(0x03)
+	PermArgsTypeSetGlobal = byte(0x04)
+	PermArgsTypeHasRole   = byte(0x05)
+	PermArgsTypeAddRole   = byte(0x06)
+	PermArgsTypeRmRole    = byte(0x07)
 )
 
 // for binary.readReflect
 var _ = binary.RegisterInterface(
-	struct{ SNativeArgs }{},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&HasBaseArgs{}, SNativeArgsTypeHasBase},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&SetBaseArgs{}, SNativeArgsTypeSetBase},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&UnsetBaseArgs{}, SNativeArgsTypeUnsetBase},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&SetGlobalArgs{}, SNativeArgsTypeSetGlobal},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&HasRoleArgs{}, SNativeArgsTypeHasRole},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&AddRoleArgs{}, SNativeArgsTypeAddRole},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&RmRoleArgs{}, SNativeArgsTypeRmRole},
+	struct{ PermArgs }{},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&HasBaseArgs{}, PermArgsTypeHasBase},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&SetBaseArgs{}, PermArgsTypeSetBase},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&UnsetBaseArgs{}, PermArgsTypeUnsetBase},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&SetGlobalArgs{}, PermArgsTypeSetGlobal},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&HasRoleArgs{}, PermArgsTypeHasRole},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&AddRoleArgs{}, PermArgsTypeAddRole},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&RmRoleArgs{}, PermArgsTypeRmRole},
 )
 
 type HasBaseArgs struct {
@@ -126,50 +100,3 @@ type RmRoleArgs struct {
 func (*RmRoleArgs) PermFlag() PermFlag {
 	return RmRole
 }
-
-//------------------------------------------------------------
-// string utilities
-
-func SNativePermFlagToString(pF PermFlag) (perm string) {
-	switch pF {
-	case HasBase:
-		perm = "HasBase"
-	case SetBase:
-		perm = "SetBase"
-	case UnsetBase:
-		perm = "UnsetBase"
-	case SetGlobal:
-		perm = "SetGlobal"
-	case HasRole:
-		perm = "HasRole"
-	case AddRole:
-		perm = "AddRole"
-	case RmRole:
-		perm = "RmRole"
-	default:
-		perm = "#-UNKNOWN-#"
-	}
-	return
-}
-
-func SNativeStringToPermFlag(perm string) (pF PermFlag, err error) {
-	switch perm {
-	case "HasBase":
-		pF = HasBase
-	case "SetBase":
-		pF = SetBase
-	case "UnsetBase":
-		pF = UnsetBase
-	case "SetGlobal":
-		pF = SetGlobal
-	case "HasRole":
-		pF = HasRole
-	case "AddRole":
-		pF = AddRole
-	case "RmRole":
-		pF = RmRole
-	default:
-		err = fmt.Errorf("Unknown permission %s", perm)
-	}
-	return
-}
diff --git a/state/execution.go b/state/execution.go
index 71ae09c2..7b43c120 100644
--- a/state/execution.go
+++ b/state/execution.go
@@ -392,7 +392,6 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 			// this may be nil if we are still in mempool and contract was created in same block as this tx
 			// but that's fine, because the account will be created properly when the create tx runs in the block
 			// and then this won't return nil. otherwise, we take their fee
-			// it may also be nil if its an snative (not a "real" account)
 			outAcc = blockCache.GetAccount(tx.Address)
 		}
 
@@ -423,10 +422,9 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 			if !createAccount {
 
 				if outAcc == nil || len(outAcc.Code) == 0 {
-					// check if its an snative
-					// TODO: should we restrict from calling natives too?
-					if _, ok := vm.RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256(tx.Address)]; ok {
-						return fmt.Errorf("SNatives can not be called using CallTx. Either use a contract or a SNativeTx")
+					// check if its a native contract
+					if vm.RegisteredNativeContract(LeftPadWord256(tx.Address)) {
+						return fmt.Errorf("NativeContracts can not be called using CallTx. Use a contract or the appropriate tx type (eg. PermissionsTx, NameTx)")
 					}
 
 					// if you call an account that doesn't exist
@@ -794,7 +792,7 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 		}
 		return nil
 
-	case *types.SNativeTx:
+	case *types.PermissionsTx:
 		var inAcc *acm.Account
 
 		// Validate input
@@ -804,10 +802,10 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 			return types.ErrTxInvalidAddress
 		}
 
-		permFlag := tx.SNative.PermFlag()
+		permFlag := tx.PermArgs.PermFlag()
 		// check permission
-		if !hasSNativePermission(blockCache, inAcc, permFlag) {
-			return fmt.Errorf("Account %X does not have permission to call snative %s (%b)", tx.Input.Address, ptypes.SNativePermFlagToString(permFlag), permFlag)
+		if !HasPermission(blockCache, inAcc, permFlag) {
+			return fmt.Errorf("Account %X does not have moderator permission %s (%b)", tx.Input.Address, ptypes.PermFlagToString(permFlag), permFlag)
 		}
 
 		// pubKey should be present in either "inAcc" or "tx.Input"
@@ -824,10 +822,10 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 
 		value := tx.Input.Amount
 
-		log.Debug("New SNativeTx", "snative", ptypes.SNativePermFlagToString(permFlag), "args", tx.SNative)
+		log.Debug("New PermissionsTx", "function", ptypes.PermFlagToString(permFlag), "args", tx.PermArgs)
 
 		var permAcc *acm.Account
-		switch args := tx.SNative.(type) {
+		switch args := tx.PermArgs.(type) {
 		case *ptypes.HasBaseArgs:
 			// this one doesn't make sense from txs
 			return fmt.Errorf("HasBase is for contracts, not humans. Just look at the blockchain")
@@ -863,7 +861,7 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 				return fmt.Errorf("Role (%s) does not exist for account %X", args.Role, args.Address)
 			}
 		default:
-			PanicSanity(Fmt("invalid snative: %s", ptypes.SNativePermFlagToString(permFlag)))
+			PanicSanity(Fmt("invalid permission function: %s", ptypes.PermFlagToString(permFlag)))
 		}
 
 		// TODO: maybe we want to take funds on error and allow txs in that don't do anythingi?
@@ -881,7 +879,7 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 
 		if evc != nil {
 			evc.FireEvent(types.EventStringAccInput(tx.Input.Address), tx)
-			evc.FireEvent(types.EventStringSNative(ptypes.SNativePermFlagToString(permFlag)), tx)
+			evc.FireEvent(types.EventStringPermissions(ptypes.PermFlagToString(permFlag)), tx)
 		}
 
 		return nil
@@ -897,8 +895,7 @@ func ExecTx(blockCache *BlockCache, tx types.Tx, runCall bool, evc events.Fireab
 
 // Get permission on an account or fall back to global value
 func HasPermission(state AccountGetter, acc *acm.Account, perm ptypes.PermFlag) bool {
-	if (perm > ptypes.AllBasePermFlags && perm < ptypes.FirstSNativePermFlag) ||
-		(perm > ptypes.AllSNativePermFlags) {
+	if perm > ptypes.AllPermFlags {
 		PanicSanity("Checking an unknown permission in state should never happen")
 	}
 
@@ -969,7 +966,3 @@ func hasBondOrSendPermission(state AccountGetter, accs map[string]*acm.Account)
 	}
 	return true
 }
-
-func hasSNativePermission(state AccountGetter, acc *acm.Account, permFlag ptypes.PermFlag) bool {
-	return HasPermission(state, acc, permFlag)
-}
diff --git a/state/permissions_test.go b/state/permissions_test.go
index de0cf207..162fb154 100644
--- a/state/permissions_test.go
+++ b/state/permissions_test.go
@@ -867,7 +867,7 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### HasBase")
 	// HasBase
-	snativeAddress, data := snativePermTestInputCALL("HasBase", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
+	snativeAddress, data := snativePermTestInputCALL("has_base", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectFail(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		// return value should be true or false as a 32 byte array...
@@ -879,10 +879,10 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### SetBase")
 	// SetBase
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("SetBase", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("set_base", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectFail(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error { return nil })
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("HasBase", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("has_base", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		// return value should be true or false as a 32 byte array...
 		if !IsZeros(ret) {
@@ -890,9 +890,9 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 		return nil
 	})
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("SetBase", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("set_base", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error { return nil })
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("HasBase", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("has_base", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		// return value should be true or false as a 32 byte array...
 		if !IsZeros(ret[:31]) || ret[31] != byte(1) {
@@ -903,10 +903,10 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### UnsetBase")
 	// UnsetBase
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("UnsetBase", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("unset_base", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectFail(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error { return nil })
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("HasBase", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("has_base", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		if !IsZeros(ret) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("Expected 0. Got %X", ret)
@@ -916,10 +916,10 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### SetGlobal")
 	// SetGlobalPerm
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("SetGlobal", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("set_global", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectFail(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error { return nil })
-	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("HasBase", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
+	snativeAddress, data = snativePermTestInputCALL("has_base", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		// return value should be true or false as a 32 byte array...
 		if !IsZeros(ret[:31]) || ret[31] != byte(1) {
@@ -930,7 +930,7 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### HasRole")
 	// HasRole
-	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("HasRole", user[3], "bumble")
+	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("has_role", user[3], "bumble")
 	testSNativeCALLExpectFail(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		if !IsZeros(ret[:31]) || ret[31] != byte(1) {
@@ -941,17 +941,17 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### AddRole")
 	// AddRole
-	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("HasRole", user[3], "chuck")
+	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("has_role", user[3], "chuck")
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		if !IsZeros(ret) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("Expected 0. Got %X", ret)
 		}
 		return nil
 	})
-	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("AddRole", user[3], "chuck")
+	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("add_role", user[3], "chuck")
 	testSNativeCALLExpectFail(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error { return nil })
-	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("HasRole", user[3], "chuck")
+	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("has_role", user[3], "chuck")
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		if !IsZeros(ret[:31]) || ret[31] != byte(1) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("Expected 1. Got %X", ret)
@@ -961,10 +961,10 @@ func TestSNativeCALL(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### RmRole")
 	// RmRole
-	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("RmRole", user[3], "chuck")
+	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("rm_role", user[3], "chuck")
 	testSNativeCALLExpectFail(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data)
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error { return nil })
-	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("HasRole", user[3], "chuck")
+	snativeAddress, data = snativeRoleTestInputCALL("has_role", user[3], "chuck")
 	testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t, blockCache, doug, snativeAddress, data, func(ret []byte) error {
 		if !IsZeros(ret) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("Expected 0. Got %X", ret)
@@ -988,14 +988,14 @@ func TestSNativeTx(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### SetBase")
 	// SetBase
-	snativeArgs := snativePermTestInputTx("SetBase", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
+	snativeArgs := snativePermTestInputTx("set_base", user[3], ptypes.Bond, false)
 	testSNativeTxExpectFail(t, blockCache, snativeArgs)
 	testSNativeTxExpectPass(t, blockCache, ptypes.SetBase, snativeArgs)
 	acc := blockCache.GetAccount(user[3].Address)
 	if v, _ := acc.Permissions.Base.Get(ptypes.Bond); v {
 		t.Fatal("expected permission to be set false")
 	}
-	snativeArgs = snativePermTestInputTx("SetBase", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
+	snativeArgs = snativePermTestInputTx("set_base", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
 	testSNativeTxExpectPass(t, blockCache, ptypes.SetBase, snativeArgs)
 	acc = blockCache.GetAccount(user[3].Address)
 	if v, _ := acc.Permissions.Base.Get(ptypes.CreateContract); !v {
@@ -1004,7 +1004,7 @@ func TestSNativeTx(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### UnsetBase")
 	// UnsetBase
-	snativeArgs = snativePermTestInputTx("UnsetBase", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
+	snativeArgs = snativePermTestInputTx("unset_base", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, false)
 	testSNativeTxExpectFail(t, blockCache, snativeArgs)
 	testSNativeTxExpectPass(t, blockCache, ptypes.UnsetBase, snativeArgs)
 	acc = blockCache.GetAccount(user[3].Address)
@@ -1014,7 +1014,7 @@ func TestSNativeTx(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### SetGlobal")
 	// SetGlobalPerm
-	snativeArgs = snativePermTestInputTx("SetGlobal", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
+	snativeArgs = snativePermTestInputTx("set_global", user[3], ptypes.CreateContract, true)
 	testSNativeTxExpectFail(t, blockCache, snativeArgs)
 	testSNativeTxExpectPass(t, blockCache, ptypes.SetGlobal, snativeArgs)
 	acc = blockCache.GetAccount(ptypes.GlobalPermissionsAddress)
@@ -1024,7 +1024,7 @@ func TestSNativeTx(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### AddRole")
 	// AddRole
-	snativeArgs = snativeRoleTestInputTx("AddRole", user[3], "chuck")
+	snativeArgs = snativeRoleTestInputTx("add_role", user[3], "chuck")
 	testSNativeTxExpectFail(t, blockCache, snativeArgs)
 	testSNativeTxExpectPass(t, blockCache, ptypes.AddRole, snativeArgs)
 	acc = blockCache.GetAccount(user[3].Address)
@@ -1034,7 +1034,7 @@ func TestSNativeTx(t *testing.T) {
 
 	fmt.Println("\n#### RmRole")
 	// RmRole
-	snativeArgs = snativeRoleTestInputTx("RmRole", user[3], "chuck")
+	snativeArgs = snativeRoleTestInputTx("rm_role", user[3], "chuck")
 	testSNativeTxExpectFail(t, blockCache, snativeArgs)
 	testSNativeTxExpectPass(t, blockCache, ptypes.RmRole, snativeArgs)
 	acc = blockCache.GetAccount(user[3].Address)
@@ -1096,7 +1096,7 @@ func testSNativeCALLExpectPass(t *testing.T, blockCache *BlockCache, doug *acm.A
 
 func testSNativeCALL(t *testing.T, expectPass bool, blockCache *BlockCache, doug *acm.Account, snativeAddress, data []byte, f func([]byte) error) {
 	if expectPass {
-		perm, err := ptypes.SNativeStringToPermFlag(TrimmedString(snativeAddress))
+		perm, err := ptypes.PermStringToFlag(TrimmedString(snativeAddress))
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
@@ -1130,21 +1130,21 @@ func testSNativeCALL(t *testing.T, expectPass bool, blockCache *BlockCache, doug
 	}
 }
 
-func testSNativeTxExpectFail(t *testing.T, blockCache *BlockCache, snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs) {
+func testSNativeTxExpectFail(t *testing.T, blockCache *BlockCache, snativeArgs ptypes.PermArgs) {
 	testSNativeTx(t, false, blockCache, 0, snativeArgs)
 }
 
-func testSNativeTxExpectPass(t *testing.T, blockCache *BlockCache, perm ptypes.PermFlag, snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs) {
+func testSNativeTxExpectPass(t *testing.T, blockCache *BlockCache, perm ptypes.PermFlag, snativeArgs ptypes.PermArgs) {
 	testSNativeTx(t, true, blockCache, perm, snativeArgs)
 }
 
-func testSNativeTx(t *testing.T, expectPass bool, blockCache *BlockCache, perm ptypes.PermFlag, snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs) {
+func testSNativeTx(t *testing.T, expectPass bool, blockCache *BlockCache, perm ptypes.PermFlag, snativeArgs ptypes.PermArgs) {
 	if expectPass {
 		acc := blockCache.GetAccount(user[0].Address)
 		acc.Permissions.Base.Set(perm, true)
 		blockCache.UpdateAccount(acc)
 	}
-	tx, _ := types.NewSNativeTx(blockCache, user[0].PubKey, snativeArgs)
+	tx, _ := types.NewPermissionsTx(blockCache, user[0].PubKey, snativeArgs)
 	tx.Sign(chainID, user[0])
 	err := ExecTx(blockCache, tx, true, nil)
 	if expectPass {
@@ -1171,29 +1171,29 @@ func boolToWord256(v bool) Word256 {
 func snativePermTestInputCALL(name string, user *acm.PrivAccount, perm ptypes.PermFlag, val bool) (addr []byte, data []byte) {
 	addr = LeftPadWord256([]byte(name)).Postfix(20)
 	switch name {
-	case "HasBase", "UnsetBase":
+	case "has_base", "unset_base":
 		data = LeftPadBytes(user.Address, 32)
 		data = append(data, Uint64ToWord256(uint64(perm)).Bytes()...)
-	case "SetBase":
+	case "set_base":
 		data = LeftPadBytes(user.Address, 32)
 		data = append(data, Uint64ToWord256(uint64(perm)).Bytes()...)
 		data = append(data, boolToWord256(val).Bytes()...)
-	case "SetGlobal":
+	case "set_global":
 		data = Uint64ToWord256(uint64(perm)).Bytes()
 		data = append(data, boolToWord256(val).Bytes()...)
 	}
 	return
 }
 
-func snativePermTestInputTx(name string, user *acm.PrivAccount, perm ptypes.PermFlag, val bool) (snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs) {
+func snativePermTestInputTx(name string, user *acm.PrivAccount, perm ptypes.PermFlag, val bool) (snativeArgs ptypes.PermArgs) {
 	switch name {
-	case "HasBase":
+	case "has_base":
 		snativeArgs = &ptypes.HasBaseArgs{user.Address, perm}
-	case "UnsetBase":
+	case "unset_base":
 		snativeArgs = &ptypes.UnsetBaseArgs{user.Address, perm}
-	case "SetBase":
+	case "set_base":
 		snativeArgs = &ptypes.SetBaseArgs{user.Address, perm, val}
-	case "SetGlobal":
+	case "set_global":
 		snativeArgs = &ptypes.SetGlobalArgs{perm, val}
 	}
 	return
@@ -1206,13 +1206,13 @@ func snativeRoleTestInputCALL(name string, user *acm.PrivAccount, role string) (
 	return
 }
 
-func snativeRoleTestInputTx(name string, user *acm.PrivAccount, role string) (snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs) {
+func snativeRoleTestInputTx(name string, user *acm.PrivAccount, role string) (snativeArgs ptypes.PermArgs) {
 	switch name {
-	case "HasRole":
+	case "has_role":
 		snativeArgs = &ptypes.HasRoleArgs{user.Address, role}
-	case "AddRole":
+	case "add_role":
 		snativeArgs = &ptypes.AddRoleArgs{user.Address, role}
-	case "RmRole":
+	case "rm_role":
 		snativeArgs = &ptypes.RmRoleArgs{user.Address, role}
 	}
 	return
diff --git a/types/events.go b/types/events.go
index 8a78d360..a9a3ff48 100644
--- a/types/events.go
+++ b/types/events.go
@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ func EventStringLogEvent(addr []byte) string {
 	return fmt.Sprintf("Log/%X", addr)
 }
 
-func EventStringSNative(name string) string {
-	return fmt.Sprintf("SNative/%s", name)
+func EventStringPermissions(name string) string {
+	return fmt.Sprintf("Permissions/%s", name)
 }
 
 func EventStringBond() string {
diff --git a/types/tx.go b/types/tx.go
index db489c21..3ebb143e 100644
--- a/types/tx.go
+++ b/types/tx.go
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ Validation Txs:
  - DupeoutTx      Validator dupes out (equivocates)
 
 Admin Txs:
- - SNativeTx (CapTx ?)
+ - PermissionsTx
 */
 
 type Tx interface {
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ const (
 	TxTypeDupeout = byte(0x14)
 
 	// Admin transactions
-	TxTypeSNative = byte(0x20)
+	TxTypePermissions = byte(0x20)
 )
 
 // for binary.readReflect
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ var _ = binary.RegisterInterface(
 	binary.ConcreteType{&UnbondTx{}, TxTypeUnbond},
 	binary.ConcreteType{&RebondTx{}, TxTypeRebond},
 	binary.ConcreteType{&DupeoutTx{}, TxTypeDupeout},
-	binary.ConcreteType{&SNativeTx{}, TxTypeSNative},
+	binary.ConcreteType{&PermissionsTx{}, TxTypePermissions},
 )
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -323,23 +323,22 @@ func (tx *DupeoutTx) String() string {
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-type SNativeTx struct {
-	Input   *TxInput           `json:"input"`
-	SNative ptypes.SNativeArgs `json:"snative"`
+type PermissionsTx struct {
+	Input    *TxInput        `json:"input"`
+	PermArgs ptypes.PermArgs `json:"args"`
 }
 
-func (tx *SNativeTx) WriteSignBytes(chainID string, w io.Writer, n *int64, err *error) {
+func (tx *PermissionsTx) WriteSignBytes(chainID string, w io.Writer, n *int64, err *error) {
 	binary.WriteTo([]byte(Fmt(`{"chain_id":%s`, jsonEscape(chainID))), w, n, err)
-	binary.WriteTo([]byte(Fmt(`,"tx":[%v,{"args":"`, TxTypeSNative)), w, n, err)
-	binary.WriteJSON(tx.SNative, w, n, err)
+	binary.WriteTo([]byte(Fmt(`,"tx":[%v,{"args":"`, TxTypePermissions)), w, n, err)
+	binary.WriteJSON(tx.PermArgs, w, n, err)
 	binary.WriteTo([]byte(`","input":`), w, n, err)
 	tx.Input.WriteSignBytes(w, n, err)
-	binary.WriteTo([]byte(Fmt(`,"snative":%s`, jsonEscape(ptypes.PermFlagToString(tx.SNative.PermFlag())))), w, n, err)
 	binary.WriteTo([]byte(`}]}`), w, n, err)
 }
 
-func (tx *SNativeTx) String() string {
-	return Fmt("SNativeTx{%v -> %v}", tx.Input, tx.SNative)
+func (tx *PermissionsTx) String() string {
+	return Fmt("PermissionsTx{%v -> %v}", tx.Input, tx.PermArgs)
 }
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/types/tx_test.go b/types/tx_test.go
index 62e4b33d..82ba6c75 100644
--- a/types/tx_test.go
+++ b/types/tx_test.go
@@ -157,22 +157,22 @@ func TestRebondTxSignable(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestSNativeTxSignable(t *testing.T) {
-	snativeTx := &SNativeTx{
+func TestPermissionsTxSignable(t *testing.T) {
+	permsTx := &PermissionsTx{
 		Input: &TxInput{
 			Address:  []byte("input1"),
 			Amount:   12345,
 			Sequence: 250,
 		},
-		SNative: &ptypes.SetBaseArgs{
+		PermArgs: &ptypes.SetBaseArgs{
 			Address:    []byte("address1"),
 			Permission: 1,
 			Value:      true,
 		},
 	}
-	signBytes := acm.SignBytes(chainID, snativeTx)
+	signBytes := acm.SignBytes(chainID, permsTx)
 	signStr := string(signBytes)
-	expected := Fmt(`{"chain_id":"%s","tx":[32,{"args":"[2,{"address":"6164647265737331","permission":1,"value":true}]","input":{"address":"696E70757431","amount":12345,"sequence":250},"snative":"SetBase"}]}`,
+	expected := Fmt(`{"chain_id":"%s","tx":[32,{"args":"[2,{"address":"6164647265737331","permission":1,"value":true}]","input":{"address":"696E70757431","amount":12345,"sequence":250}}]}`,
 		config.GetString("chain_id"))
 	if signStr != expected {
 		t.Errorf("Got unexpected sign string for CallTx. Expected:\n%v\nGot:\n%v", expected, signStr)
diff --git a/types/tx_utils.go b/types/tx_utils.go
index c90e7624..3750483d 100644
--- a/types/tx_utils.go
+++ b/types/tx_utils.go
@@ -225,9 +225,9 @@ func (tx *RebondTx) Sign(chainID string, privAccount *acm.PrivAccount) {
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// SNativeTx interface for creating tx
+// PermissionsTx interface for creating tx
 
-func NewSNativeTx(st AccountGetter, from acm.PubKey, snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs) (*SNativeTx, error) {
+func NewPermissionsTx(st AccountGetter, from acm.PubKey, args ptypes.PermArgs) (*PermissionsTx, error) {
 	addr := from.Address()
 	acc := st.GetAccount(addr)
 	if acc == nil {
@@ -235,10 +235,10 @@ func NewSNativeTx(st AccountGetter, from acm.PubKey, snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeA
 	}
 
 	nonce := acc.Sequence + 1
-	return NewSNativeTxWithNonce(from, snativeArgs, nonce), nil
+	return NewPermissionsTxWithNonce(from, args, nonce), nil
 }
 
-func NewSNativeTxWithNonce(from acm.PubKey, snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs, nonce int) *SNativeTx {
+func NewPermissionsTxWithNonce(from acm.PubKey, args ptypes.PermArgs, nonce int) *PermissionsTx {
 	addr := from.Address()
 	input := &TxInput{
 		Address:   addr,
@@ -248,13 +248,13 @@ func NewSNativeTxWithNonce(from acm.PubKey, snativeArgs ptypes.SNativeArgs, nonc
 		PubKey:    from,
 	}
 
-	return &SNativeTx{
-		Input:   input,
-		SNative: snativeArgs,
+	return &PermissionsTx{
+		Input:    input,
+		PermArgs: args,
 	}
 }
 
-func (tx *SNativeTx) Sign(chainID string, privAccount *acm.PrivAccount) {
+func (tx *PermissionsTx) Sign(chainID string, privAccount *acm.PrivAccount) {
 	tx.Input.PubKey = privAccount.PubKey
 	tx.Input.Signature = privAccount.Sign(chainID, tx)
 }
diff --git a/vm/native.go b/vm/native.go
index 6f7223a2..004c10e9 100644
--- a/vm/native.go
+++ b/vm/native.go
@@ -8,7 +8,12 @@ import (
 	"github.com/tendermint/tendermint/vm/sha3"
 )
 
-var nativeContracts = make(map[Word256]NativeContract)
+var registeredNativeContracts = make(map[Word256]NativeContract)
+
+func RegisteredNativeContract(addr Word256) bool {
+	_, ok := registeredNativeContracts[addr]
+	return ok
+}
 
 func init() {
 	registerNativeContracts()
@@ -16,17 +21,17 @@ func init() {
 }
 
 func registerNativeContracts() {
-	nativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(1)] = ecrecoverFunc
-	nativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(2)] = sha256Func
-	nativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(3)] = ripemd160Func
-	nativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(4)] = identityFunc
+	registeredNativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(1)] = ecrecoverFunc
+	registeredNativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(2)] = sha256Func
+	registeredNativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(3)] = ripemd160Func
+	registeredNativeContracts[Int64ToWord256(4)] = identityFunc
 }
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-type NativeContract func(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error)
+type NativeContract func(appState AppState, caller *Account, input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error)
 
-func ecrecoverFunc(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+func ecrecoverFunc(appState AppState, caller *Account, input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
 	// Deduct gas
 	gasRequired := GasEcRecover
 	if *gas < gasRequired {
@@ -47,7 +52,7 @@ func ecrecoverFunc(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return LeftPadBytes(hashed, 32), nil
 }
 
-func sha256Func(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+func sha256Func(appState AppState, caller *Account, input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
 	// Deduct gas
 	gasRequired := int64((len(input)+31)/32)*GasSha256Word + GasSha256Base
 	if *gas < gasRequired {
@@ -62,7 +67,7 @@ func sha256Func(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return hasher.Sum(nil), nil
 }
 
-func ripemd160Func(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+func ripemd160Func(appState AppState, caller *Account, input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
 	// Deduct gas
 	gasRequired := int64((len(input)+31)/32)*GasRipemd160Word + GasRipemd160Base
 	if *gas < gasRequired {
@@ -77,7 +82,7 @@ func ripemd160Func(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return LeftPadBytes(hasher.Sum(nil), 32), nil
 }
 
-func identityFunc(input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+func identityFunc(appState AppState, caller *Account, input []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
 	// Deduct gas
 	gasRequired := int64((len(input)+31)/32)*GasIdentityWord + GasIdentityBase
 	if *gas < gasRequired {
diff --git a/vm/snative.go b/vm/snative.go
index 1de3161b..2fd3b0f9 100644
--- a/vm/snative.go
+++ b/vm/snative.go
@@ -7,70 +7,32 @@ import (
 	ptypes "github.com/tendermint/tendermint/permission/types"
 )
 
-type snativeInfo struct {
-	PermFlag   ptypes.PermFlag
-	NArgs      int
-	ArgsError  error
-	Executable SNativeContract
-}
-
-// Takes an appState so it can lookup/update accounts,
-// and an input byte array containing at least one Word256
 // TODO: ABI
-type SNativeContract func(appState AppState, input []byte) (output []byte, err error)
-
 //------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Registered SNative contracts
 
-var RegisteredSNativeContracts = make(map[Word256]*snativeInfo)
-
 func registerSNativeContracts() {
-	RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("HasBase"))] = getSNativeInfo("HasBase")
-	RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("SetBase"))] = getSNativeInfo("SetBase")
-	RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("UnsetBase"))] = getSNativeInfo("UnsetBase")
-	RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("SetGlobal"))] = getSNativeInfo("SetGlobal")
-	RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("HasRole"))] = getSNativeInfo("HasRole")
-	RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("AddRole"))] = getSNativeInfo("AddRole")
-	RegisteredSNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("RmRole"))] = getSNativeInfo("RmRole")
-}
-
-// sets the number of arguments, a friendly error message, and the snative function ("executable")
-func getSNativeInfo(permString string) *snativeInfo {
-	permFlag, err := ptypes.SNativeStringToPermFlag(permString)
-	if err != nil {
-		PanicSanity(err)
-	}
-	si := &snativeInfo{PermFlag: permFlag}
-	var errS string
-	switch permFlag {
-	case ptypes.HasBase:
-		si.NArgs, errS, si.Executable = 2, "hasBase() takes two arguments (address, permFlag)", hasBasePerm
-	case ptypes.SetBase:
-		si.NArgs, errS, si.Executable = 3, "setBase() takes three arguments (address, permFlag, permission value)", setBasePerm
-	case ptypes.UnsetBase:
-		si.NArgs, errS, si.Executable = 2, "unsetBase() takes two arguments (address, permFlag)", unsetBasePerm
-	case ptypes.SetGlobal:
-		si.NArgs, errS, si.Executable = 2, "setGlobal() takes two arguments (permFlag, permission value)", setGlobalPerm
-	case ptypes.HasRole:
-		si.NArgs, errS, si.Executable = 2, "hasRole() takes two arguments (address, role)", hasRole
-	case ptypes.AddRole:
-		si.NArgs, errS, si.Executable = 2, "addRole() takes two arguments (address, role)", addRole
-	case ptypes.RmRole:
-		si.NArgs, errS, si.Executable = 2, "rmRole() takes two arguments (address, role)", rmRole
-	default:
-		PanicSanity(Fmt("should never happen. PermFlag: %b", permFlag))
-	}
-	si.ArgsError = fmt.Errorf(errS)
-	return si
+	registeredNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("has_base"))] = hasBasePerm
+	registeredNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("set_base"))] = setBasePerm
+	registeredNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("unset_base"))] = unsetBasePerm
+	registeredNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("set_global"))] = setGlobalPerm
+	registeredNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("has_role"))] = hasRole
+	registeredNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("add_role"))] = addRole
+	registeredNativeContracts[LeftPadWord256([]byte("rm_role"))] = rmRole
 }
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// snative are native contracts that can access and manipulate the chain state
-// (in particular the permissions values)
+// snative are native contracts that can access and modify an account's permissions
 
 // TODO: catch errors, log em, return 0s to the vm (should some errors cause exceptions though?)
 
-func hasBasePerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
+func hasBasePerm(appState AppState, caller *Account, args []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+	if !HasPermission(appState, caller, ptypes.HasBase) {
+		return nil, ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, "has_base"}
+	}
+	if len(args) != 2*32 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("hasBasePerm() takes two arguments (address, permFlag)")
+	}
 	addr, permNum := returnTwoArgs(args)
 	vmAcc := appState.GetAccount(addr)
 	if vmAcc == nil {
@@ -90,7 +52,13 @@ func hasBasePerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return LeftPadWord256([]byte{permInt}).Bytes(), nil
 }
 
-func setBasePerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
+func setBasePerm(appState AppState, caller *Account, args []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+	if !HasPermission(appState, caller, ptypes.SetBase) {
+		return nil, ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, "set_base"}
+	}
+	if len(args) != 3*32 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("setBase() takes three arguments (address, permFlag, permission value)")
+	}
 	addr, permNum, perm := returnThreeArgs(args)
 	vmAcc := appState.GetAccount(addr)
 	if vmAcc == nil {
@@ -109,7 +77,13 @@ func setBasePerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return perm.Bytes(), nil
 }
 
-func unsetBasePerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
+func unsetBasePerm(appState AppState, caller *Account, args []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+	if !HasPermission(appState, caller, ptypes.UnsetBase) {
+		return nil, ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, "unset_base"}
+	}
+	if len(args) != 2*32 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unsetBase() takes two arguments (address, permFlag)")
+	}
 	addr, permNum := returnTwoArgs(args)
 	vmAcc := appState.GetAccount(addr)
 	if vmAcc == nil {
@@ -127,7 +101,13 @@ func unsetBasePerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return permNum.Bytes(), nil
 }
 
-func setGlobalPerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
+func setGlobalPerm(appState AppState, caller *Account, args []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+	if !HasPermission(appState, caller, ptypes.SetGlobal) {
+		return nil, ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, "set_global"}
+	}
+	if len(args) != 2*32 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("setGlobal() takes two arguments (permFlag, permission value)")
+	}
 	permNum, perm := returnTwoArgs(args)
 	vmAcc := appState.GetAccount(ptypes.GlobalPermissionsAddress256)
 	if vmAcc == nil {
@@ -146,7 +126,13 @@ func setGlobalPerm(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return perm.Bytes(), nil
 }
 
-func hasRole(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
+func hasRole(appState AppState, caller *Account, args []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+	if !HasPermission(appState, caller, ptypes.HasRole) {
+		return nil, ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, "has_role"}
+	}
+	if len(args) != 2*32 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("hasRole() takes two arguments (address, role)")
+	}
 	addr, role := returnTwoArgs(args)
 	vmAcc := appState.GetAccount(addr)
 	if vmAcc == nil {
@@ -163,7 +149,13 @@ func hasRole(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return LeftPadWord256([]byte{permInt}).Bytes(), nil
 }
 
-func addRole(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
+func addRole(appState AppState, caller *Account, args []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+	if !HasPermission(appState, caller, ptypes.AddRole) {
+		return nil, ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, "add_role"}
+	}
+	if len(args) != 2*32 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("addRole() takes two arguments (address, role)")
+	}
 	addr, role := returnTwoArgs(args)
 	vmAcc := appState.GetAccount(addr)
 	if vmAcc == nil {
@@ -181,7 +173,13 @@ func addRole(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
 	return LeftPadWord256([]byte{permInt}).Bytes(), nil
 }
 
-func rmRole(appState AppState, args []byte) (output []byte, err error) {
+func rmRole(appState AppState, caller *Account, args []byte, gas *int64) (output []byte, err error) {
+	if !HasPermission(appState, caller, ptypes.RmRole) {
+		return nil, ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, "rm_role"}
+	}
+	if len(args) != 2*32 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rmRole() takes two arguments (address, role)")
+	}
 	addr, role := returnTwoArgs(args)
 	vmAcc := appState.GetAccount(addr)
 	if vmAcc == nil {
@@ -213,9 +211,7 @@ func (e ErrInvalidPermission) Error() string {
 
 // Checks if a permission flag is valid (a known base chain or snative permission)
 func ValidPermN(n ptypes.PermFlag) bool {
-	if n > ptypes.TopBasePermFlag && n < ptypes.FirstSNativePermFlag {
-		return false
-	} else if n > ptypes.TopSNativePermFlag {
+	if n > ptypes.TopPermFlag {
 		return false
 	}
 	return true
diff --git a/vm/vm.go b/vm/vm.go
index 8ffd083e..64420699 100644
--- a/vm/vm.go
+++ b/vm/vm.go
@@ -108,33 +108,6 @@ func (vm *VM) fireEvent(exception *string, output *[]byte, caller, callee *Accou
 	}
 }
 
-// call an snative contract (includes event processing)
-// addr and permFlag refer to the same snative's address and it's permFlag
-func (vm *VM) callSNative(addr Word256, snInfo *snativeInfo, caller *Account, input []byte) (ret []byte, err error) {
-	exception := new(string)
-	// fire the post call event (including exception if applicable)
-	value, gas := int64(0), new(int64)
-	defer vm.fireEvent(exception, &ret, caller, &Account{Address: addr}, input, value, gas)
-
-	if !HasPermission(vm.appState, caller, snInfo.PermFlag) {
-		err = ErrInvalidPermission{caller.Address, addr.TrimmedString()}
-		*exception = err.Error()
-		return
-	}
-	if len(input) != snInfo.NArgs*32 {
-		err = snInfo.ArgsError
-		*exception = err.Error()
-		return
-	}
-	// SNATIVE ACCESS
-	ret, err = snInfo.Executable(vm.appState, input)
-	// END SNATIVE ACCESS
-	if err != nil {
-		*exception = err.Error()
-	}
-	return
-}
-
 // CONTRACT appState is aware of caller and callee, so we can just mutate them.
 // value: To be transferred from caller to callee. Refunded upon error.
 // gas:   Available gas. No refunds for gas.
@@ -777,11 +750,16 @@ func (vm *VM) call(caller, callee *Account, code, input []byte, value int64, gas
 			// Begin execution
 			var ret []byte
 			var err error
-			if nativeContract := nativeContracts[addr]; nativeContract != nil {
+			if nativeContract := registeredNativeContracts[addr]; nativeContract != nil {
 				// Native contract
-				ret, err = nativeContract(args, &gasLimit)
-			} else if snInfo, ok := RegisteredSNativeContracts[addr]; ok {
-				ret, err = vm.callSNative(addr, snInfo, callee, input)
+				ret, err = nativeContract(vm.appState, callee, args, &gasLimit)
+
+				// for now we fire the Receive event. maybe later we'll fire more particulars
+				var exception string
+				if err != nil {
+					exception = err.Error()
+				}
+				vm.fireEvent(&exception, &ret, callee, &Account{Address: addr}, args, value, gas)
 			} else {
 				// EVM contract
 				if ok = useGas(gas, GasGetAccount); !ok {