diff --git a/proofs/test_refusal_persistence.py b/proofs/test_refusal_persistence.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9990283
--- /dev/null
+++ b/proofs/test_refusal_persistence.py
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+"""
+Test that refusals are properly recorded.
+"""
+
+from s16code.events.governor import AutonomyGovernor
+from s16code.events.models import EventEnvelope
+
+def test_refusal_persistence():
+    """Test that a refusal is recorded in a durable store."""
+    governor = AutonomyGovernor()
+    
+    # Create an event with a self-actor (should be refused)
+    event = EventEnvelope(
+        source="test_source",
+        actor="s16code",  # This matches self_actors
+        id="test_1"
+    )
+    
+    # The governor should refuse the event
+    verdict = governor.admit_event(event)
+    assert verdict.admitted is False, "Event should be refused"
+    
+    # The refusal should be queryable
+    refusals = governor.get_refusal_history()
+    assert len(refusals) > 0, "No refusals recorded"
+    
+    print("✅ Refusal persistence test passed.")
diff --git a/s16code/events/governor.py b/s16code/events/governor.py
index 16f5e92..ebfc766 100644
--- a/s16code/events/governor.py
+++ b/s16code/events/governor.py
@@ -75,21 +75,40 @@ def __init__(self, store: Any, *, self_actors: tuple[str, ...] | None = None,
 
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------ intake
 
+
+    def _record_refusal(self, event, reason, verdict_type="refusal"):
+        """Record a refusal event in the persistent store."""
+        refusal_entry = {
+            "timestamp": datetime.now(UTC).isoformat(),
+            "event_id": getattr(event, "id", "unknown"),
+            "source": getattr(event, "source", "unknown"),
+            "actor": getattr(event, "actor", ""),
+            "reason": reason,
+            "type": verdict_type,
+        }
+        # Store in a persistent store
+        self.store.record_refusal(refusal_entry)
+
     def admit_event(self, event: EventEnvelope, *, now: datetime | None = None) -> Verdict:
         """Refuse before the event is even matched against subscriptions."""
         moment = now or datetime.now(UTC)
 
         actor = (event.actor or "").strip()
         if actor and actor in self.self_actors:
-            return Verdict(False, f"event was caused by this agent ({actor}); refusing to answer itself",
-                           "self_trigger", {"actor": actor})
+                reason = f"event was caused by this agent ({actor}); refusing to answer itself"
+		self._record_refusal(event, reason, "self_trigger")
+		return Verdict(False, reason, "self_trigger", {"actor": actor})
+
+
 
         if self.source_events_per_minute > 0:
             recent = self.store.count_recent_events(event.source, since=moment - timedelta(minutes=1))
             if recent >= self.source_events_per_minute:
-                return Verdict(
+		reason = f"source {event.source!r} exceeded {self.source_events_per_minute} events/minute"
+		self._record_refusal(event, reason, "source_rate_limit")
+	        return Verdict(
                     False,
-                    f"source {event.source!r} exceeded {self.source_events_per_minute} events/minute",
+		    reason,
                     "source_rate_limit",
                     {"source": event.source, "observed": recent,
                      "limit": self.source_events_per_minute},