Kathryn Gaulzetti cbjR

#TexasBTCReserveBill Texas has recently made significant strides toward establishing a Bitcoin reserve. On March 6, 2025, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 21 (SB-21) with a 25-5 vote, aiming to create a Bitcoin and cryptocurrency strategic reserve for the state. Introduced by State Senator Charles Schwertner in January 2025, the bill was initially focused solely on Bitcoin but was later amended to include other digital assets following President Donald Trump's executive order on January 23, which directed a commission to study the feasibility of a "digital asset stockpile." The legislation empowers the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to acquire, sell, and trade investments that a prudent investor would consider, positioning Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as potential hedges against inflation and economic volatility. The bill also allows for public donations of Bitcoin to the reserve and mandates secure storage and regular audits to ensure transparency and security. This initiative aligns with a broader national trend, as President Trump has proposed creating a U.S. strategic cryptocurrency reserve, which would include major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. The federal proposal aims to position the United States as a leader in the crypto industry, serving as a hedge against inflation and enhancing the financial system's efficiency. While Texas moves forward with its Bitcoin reserve plans, other states have exhibited varying levels of interest. States such as Arizona and Utah have advanced similar bills, whereas Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania have rejected such initiatives due to concerns over Bitcoin's volatility and the potential risks to taxpayers. Critics of Texas's plan argue that investing taxpayer money in Bitcoin could be risky, given the cryptocurrency's unpredictable nature. They caution that such a move might benefit the crypto industry disproportionately and could lead to taxpayer-funded bailouts if the market experiences downturns. Bitcoin $BTC $BNB