TLDR

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed the “Bitcoin Rights” bill (HB701) into law, protecting crypto users’ rights to self-custody and node operation
The bill passed with unanimous support in both Kentucky’s House (91-0) and Senate (37-0)
Oklahoma’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act also passed the State House of Representatives (77-15)
Several states including Arizona, Oklahoma, and Missouri are advancing Bitcoin reserve legislation
Kentucky’s law bans discrimination against crypto mining and exempts mining from money transmitter license requirements

The state of Kentucky has taken a major step forward for cryptocurrency users by passing a new law that protects their rights. On March 24, Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 701, known as the “Bitcoin Rights” bill, into law.

This makes Kentucky the latest state to create legal protections for people who use digital assets like Bitcoin.

The new law gives Kentucky residents several important protections. It safeguards their right to hold their own cryptocurrency without going through a third party. This is called “self-custody” in the crypto world.

Users in Kentucky can now run their own crypto nodes without fear of legal issues. A node is part of the computer network that helps keep track of cryptocurrency transactions. The law also bans local zoning changes that might try to stop crypto mining operations.

We are proud to officially announce that ‘Bitcoin Rights’ has been SIGNED INTO LAW by the Governor of Kentucky!

The right to self-custody, run a node, and use of digital assets is now protected for millions of Americans without fear of discrimination.

This effort would not… pic.twitter.com/ETH2I4CWw6

— Satoshi Action Fund (@SatoshiActFund) March 24, 2025

Crypto mining won’t require money transmitter licenses under the new rules. This removes a big regulatory hurdle for miners in the state. The law also makes it clear that mining and staking cryptocurrency aren’t considered offering or selling securities.

Support for the bill was overwhelming in Kentucky’s government. It passed the state’s House of Representatives on February 28 with all 91 representatives voting yes. When it moved to the state Senate, all 37 senators also voted in favor of the bill on March 13.

Kentucky isn’t the only state taking action on cryptocurrency. The bill is similar to legislation that Oklahoma passed in May 2024. Oklahoma is also working on more crypto-friendly laws.

Oklahoma’s House Bill 1203, called the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, just passed the State House of Representatives. The vote was 77 to 15 in favor. This bill would create a reserve of Bitcoin for the state government.

State Representative Cody Maynard first introduced the Oklahoma bill on January 15. It made it through the Government Oversight Committee with a 12-2 vote on February 25. Now it needs to pass through the Oklahoma Senate before the governor can decide whether to sign it into law.

Oklahoma

Another bill in Oklahoma could allow residents to get paid in Bitcoin. State Senator Dusty Deevers filed this legislation on January 8. If passed, workers could choose to receive their salaries in cryptocurrency instead of dollars.

According to the group Bitcoin Laws, Oklahoma is now tied with Texas for second place in what they call the “State Bitcoin reserve race.” Arizona is currently leading this unofficial competition between states. Arizona has two strategic digital asset reserve bills that just cleared the House Rules Committee on March 24.

These bills are now headed to the Arizona House floor for a full vote. Bitcoin Laws thinks the Oklahoma bill has a good chance to become law. This is because Republicans control both the Oklahoma Senate and the governor’s office.

Missouri is also looking at creating a Bitcoin reserve. The state’s Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs is currently reviewing their own Bitcoin reserve bill. This shows growing interest in cryptocurrency across multiple states.

Kentucky has also introduced a separate bill to establish its own Bitcoin reserve. If passed, it would allow the State Investment Commission to put up to 10% of excess state reserves into digital assets, including Bitcoin. This bill is still being reviewed and hasn’t become law yet.

These state laws mark a growing trend of government acceptance of cryptocurrency in the United States. As more states pass laws protecting Bitcoin users and even investing in the digital currency themselves, it could lead to more mainstream adoption.

The post Kentucky’s Landmark Bitcoin Rights Law Leads Wave of Crypto-Friendly State Legislation Across America appeared first on CoinCentral.

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Filed under: News - @ March 25, 2025 9:29 am