The governor of Kentucky has officially approved and signed the “Bitcoin Rights” bill into law.
As Kentucky enacted its Bitcoin-related bill, Oklahoma’s State House of Representatives advanced the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, bringing the reserve closer to reality.
As two U.S. states pushed ahead with Bitcoin reserve legislation, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed the “Bitcoin Rights” bill into law, reinforcing protections for crypto users.
In a March 24 tweet, the Satoshi Action Fund emphasized that House Bill 701 protects individuals’ rights to self-custody, node operation, and digital asset usage, ensuring they do not face discrimination.
On February 19, Rep. Adam Bowling introduced HB701 to the Kentucky House, describing it as a bill that secures the right to self-custody wallets and digital assets while blocking discriminatory zoning regulations against crypto mining.
Alongside its other provisions, the bill outlines standards for operating a crypto node, ensures that money transmitter licensing does not apply to crypto mining, and confirms that mining and staking do not classify as securities transactions.
Kentucky’s House of Representatives unanimously passed the bill with a 91-0 vote on February 28. The state Senate then followed suit on March 13, with all 37 senators voting in favor.
On March 24, Beshear formally approved and signed the bill into law. The bill mirrors a law that Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed in May 2024.
A proposed bill in Kentucky seeks to establish a Bitcoin reserve, permitting the State Investment Commission to allocate up to 10% of surplus state funds into digital assets like Bitcoin; lawmakers are currently reviewing the legislation.
Oklahoma’s State House of Representatives passed the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, formally designated as House Bill 1203, with a 77-15 vote, as the Oklahoma Bitcoin Association stated.
State Representative Cody Maynard introduced the legislation on January 15. The Government Oversight Committee then approved it with a 12–2 vote on February 25, allowing the bill to move forward.
The bill now awaits a Senate vote, which must happen before the Oklahoma governor can either enact or reject it.
Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers introduced legislation on January 8 that seeks to allow residents to receive payments in Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Laws, an organization monitoring Bitcoin-related legislation, announced in a March 24 X post that Oklahoma has caught up with Texas, placing both states in a tie for second in the State Bitcoin reserve race.
Arizona remains in the lead as two strategic digital asset reserve bills moved through the state’s House Rules Committee on March 24, advancing to the House floor for a final vote.
Bitcoin Laws speculates that the bill is well-positioned for approval, citing the Republican-led Oklahoma Senate and Republican governor as key factors.
Missouri’s Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs is currently reviewing legislation related to a Bitcoin reserve, according to Bitcoin Laws.
