State-Level Bitcoin Reserves Face Major Roadblocks
The push for U.S. state-backed Bitcoin reserves is hitting significant resistance, as multiple states reject legislative proposals to allocate public funds to BTC. While over 20 U.S. states have introduced or are considering bills related to Bitcoin reserves, several recent setbacks indicate that state-level crypto investments remain highly controversial.
In the past few weeks, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming have all rejected or stalled Bitcoin reserve proposals, highlighting concerns about volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and economic risks.
Montana and South Dakota Reject Bitcoin Reserve Bills
In Montana, House Bill 429—which proposed allocating up to $50 million in public funds to Bitcoin, stablecoins, and precious metals—failed in the House on February 21 with a vote of 59-41. Representative Curtis Schomer, who championed the bill, argued that investing in BTC could diversify state assets and potentially generate higher returns, but the proposal failed to gain enough support.
Similarly, South Dakota’s HB 1202, which sought to invest 10% of state funds into Bitcoin, was rejected by the House Commerce and Energy Committee on February 24 with a 9-3 vote. While Representative Logan Manhart, the bill’s sponsor, defended Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, state investment officer Matt Clark warned about the asset’s extreme volatility.
More States Join the Opposition
North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming also blocked or shelved Bitcoin reserve proposals:
North Dakota’s HB 1184, which aimed to explore the feasibility of a Bitcoin reserve, failed in the House with a 57-32 vote.Pennsylvania’s HB 2664, which proposed investing up to 10% of state funds into Bitcoin, was effectively killed early in the legislative process.Wyoming, a state known for its crypto-friendly stance, saw its Bitcoin reserve proposal rejected by a state committee on February 6.
Trump’s Bitcoin Support Sparks State-Level Interest
The growing push for state Bitcoin reserves stems from former President Donald Trump’s calls for a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve during his 2024 election campaign.
In July 2024, Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, a strong advocate for digital assets, introduced a national Bitcoin reserve bill that aimed to have the U.S. government acquire 1 million BTC over five years. However, even Lummis’ home state struggled to advance its own Bitcoin reserve proposal.
Where Bitcoin Reserve Bills Are Making Progress
Despite resistance in some states, Bitcoin reserve proposals are moving forward elsewhere.
Utah is leading the charge, as HB 230—which allows the state treasurer to allocate up to 5% of public funds to digital assets—passed the Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee on February 20. With Bitcoin being the only asset meeting the $500 billion market cap requirement, it’s the primary candidate for Utah’s digital reserve fund.Texas, a well-known crypto hub, is considering two separate Bitcoin-related bills—one proposing that the state allocate 1% of its general revenue to BTC, while the other focuses on Bitcoin donations and crypto payments.Oklahoma made significant progress on February 25, when the House Oversight Committee approved HB 1203, a bill for a strategic Bitcoin reserve, by a 12-2 vote.Arizona’s Senate Finance Committee advanced SB 1025, a bill proposing investing up to 10% of public funds—including pensions—into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The proposal is now awaiting a House vote.
The Future of State Bitcoin Reserves: A Divided Landscape
While some states firmly reject Bitcoin reserve proposals, others are moving forward, seeing Bitcoin as a potential long-term hedge against inflation. Currently, 18 Bitcoin reserve bills remain active across various U.S. states, meaning the debate is far from over.
As lawmakers weigh the risks and rewards of integrating Bitcoin into public finances, the key question remains: Will Bitcoin reserves become a mainstream financial strategy, or will states continue to reject crypto as too volatile for public investment?
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