On May 20, 2025, the Texas House passed the second reading of SB 21, the Texas Bitcoin Reserve bill, with a 105–23 vote. The bill aims to let the state hold Bitcoin and certain altcoins as part of a public reserve.
It proposes allowing altcoins that have a $500 billion market cap for a full 24-month period. This requirement was added through a recent amendment, replacing the initial 12-month condition.
A statement posted by pro-crypto group Stand With Crypto read:
“SB 21 passed by a vote of 105–23. SB 21 was also amended to increase the length of time a digital asset’s market cap is under consideration for inclusion in the bill, from 12 to 24 months…making it harder to qualify.”
Bill Draws From New Hampshire’s Reserve Model
While focused on Bitcoin, SB 21 would permit other assets that meet the valuation requirement. Its language borrows from legislation previously passed in New Hampshire, which authorized a similar reserve model at the state level.
At present, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are the only cryptocurrencies meeting or nearing the $500 billion threshold. The amendment introduces a longer evaluation period, limiting asset eligibility to only the most stable tokens.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick identified the reserve plan as a legislative priority following Donald Trump’s endorsement of state-managed Bitcoin reserves. The bill has since moved through committee and Senate stages without major resistance.
Next Vote Needed Before Bitcoin Law in Texas
The bill requires one final House vote before it reaches Governor Greg Abbott. The Texas legislative session ends June 2, so lawmakers must act before then.
Governor Abbott has publicly expressed support for Bitcoin law in Texas, aligning with other state-level efforts to explore digital asset strategies. If signed, Texas would join New Hampshire as one of the first states with an official Bitcoin Reserve.
SB 21 progressed shortly after the U.S. Senate voted 66–32 to advance the GENIUS Act, a federal stablecoin bill. That action highlighted growing national interest in structured crypto regulation, including state-level crypto legislation.
Other states, including Arizona and Florida, introduced Bitcoin reserve bills but did not complete the legislative process. Texas may become one of the few to move from proposal to law, depending on the final vote before the session closes.
