Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has officially signed the “Bitcoin Rights” bill into law, cementing protections for cryptocurrency users in the state.
This move comes as similar Bitcoin-related legislative efforts gain traction in other U.S. states, including Oklahoma and Arizona.
The legislation, formally known as House Bill 701 (HB 701), was introduced by Representative Adam Bowling on February 19 and received unanimous support in both chambers of the Kentucky legislature. The House passed the bill 91-0 on February 28, followed by a 37-0 Senate vote on March 13, before it was signed into law on March 24.
According to the crypto advocacy group Satoshi Action Fund, the new law ensures the right to self-custody digital assets, operate a node, and use cryptocurrency without fear of discrimination. It also prohibits local zoning laws that unfairly target crypto mining operations, removes mining from money transmitter licensing requirements, and clarifies that mining and staking do not constitute securities offerings.
The bill aligns with similar legislation enacted in Oklahoma in May 2024, signaling a growing trend of state-level recognition and support for Bitcoin. Kentucky lawmakers are also considering a separate proposal that would allow the state to allocate up to 10% of its excess reserves into digital assets, including Bitcoin. This measure is still under review.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives recently passed the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (HB 1203) with a 77-15 vote. The bill, introduced by Representative Cody Maynard on January 15, also passed the Government Oversight Committee in February and is now headed to the state Senate. If approved, it will move to Governor Kevin Stitt for final consideration. Additionally, Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers has proposed legislation allowing state employees to receive salaries in Bitcoin.
Arizona is currently leading the charge in state-level Bitcoin adoption after two digital asset reserve bills cleared the House Rules Committee on March 24. These bills will now advance to the House floor for a full vote. According to Bitcoin Laws, a Bitcoin legislation tracker, Oklahoma has now moved into second place alongside Texas in the “State Bitcoin reserve race.”
Missouri is also considering a Bitcoin reserve bill, with the Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs currently evaluating the proposal according to Bitcoin Law.
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