Nikolas Sargeant
On March 24, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed the "Bitcoin Rights" bill (HB701) into law, securing protections for cryptocurrency users. The legislation guarantees the right to self-custody, run a node, and use digital assets free from discrimination. The bill, introduced by Rep. Adam Bowling in February, also bans discriminatory zoning laws against crypto mining and provides a legal framework for running a crypto node.
Kentucky’s move comes on the same day Oklahoma's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act passed the State House of Representatives, inching closer to potential enactment. Oklahoma's bill, introduced by Rep. Cody Maynard in January, aims to create a state Bitcoin reserve and has already garnered significant support in the House. This marks a growing trend of states advancing Bitcoin-related legislation.
States Lead the Way on Crypto Legislation
The momentum is not limited to Kentucky and Oklahoma. Arizona, in particular, is also advancing similar reserve bills, with two bills now progressing through the Arizona House. These developments suggest that states are increasingly taking the lead in establishing Bitcoin reserves and crypto-friendly regulations as federal action remains stalled.
As more states introduce Bitcoin reserves and crypto protection measures, the U.S. continues to see a patchwork of local-level legislation that could shape the future of cryptocurrency use and regulation nationwide. The drive for state-level Bitcoin bills signals growing recognition of digital assets' importance and their potential to strengthen state economies.
