Utah's Blockchain Bill Paves Way for State Crypto Investments Amid Economic Uncertainty
January 21, 2025Utah has introduced a significant piece of legislation called the 'Blockchain and Digital Innovation Amendments (H.B. 230)', which aims to allow state treasury investments in cryptocurrencies.
This initiative reflects a broader trend among states seeking to hedge against inflation and enhance financial security amid an unpredictable economic landscape.
The bill permits investment of up to 10% of public funds in qualifying digital assets, which are defined as cryptocurrencies with a market capitalization exceeding $500 billion or stablecoins with strict backing requirements.
Investment options are primarily narrowed down to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and select stablecoins.
Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund, has noted a growing interest among state lawmakers in Strategic Bitcoin Reserve legislation, indicating a trend of enthusiasm across the country.
To ensure security, the bill mandates that cryptographic private keys be stored in encrypted environments, accessible only through end-to-end encrypted channels.
Additionally, hardware containing these keys must be housed in at least two geographically diverse secure data centers to protect against cyber threats.
The legislation also includes provisions that prevent state or local government entities from restricting the use of self-hosted or hardware wallet solutions for personal custody of digital assets.
Wyoming's potential adoption of similar measures may encourage other states to follow suit, signifying a shift in how states engage with financial technologies in the digital age.
The focus on Bitcoin is further amplified by President Donald Trump's promise to create a national Bitcoin reserve, which could elevate the significance of Bitcoin within U.S. financial systems.
Overall, the initiative aims to create a secure framework for managing digital assets while promoting innovation and financial security in Utah.
Eligible accounts for these investments include the State Disaster Recovery Restricted Account and the General Fund Budget Reserve Account.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources
BeInCrypto • Jan 21, 2025
Utah Plans to Invest Public Funds in Crypto Under New Proposed LawLive Bitcoin News • Jan 21, 2025
Wyoming Introduces Bill for Strategic Bitcoin Reserve | Live Bitcoin NewsThe Currency analytics • Jan 21, 2025
Utah Introduces Bitcoin Reserve Bill: A Step Toward Digital Asset AdoptionCoinJournal • Jan 21, 2025
The state of Utah proposes investing public funds in crypto - CoinJournal