YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has signed House Bill 701 (HB 701), known as the Bitcoin Rights bill, into law. The legislation guarantees the right to self-custody digital assets, operate a crypto node, and use cryptocurrency without restrictions. It also prevents local governments from banning or discriminating against crypto mining operations.
The Satoshi Action Fund, a crypto advocacy group, confirmed the bill’s passage in a March 24 statement on X. The measure ensures that mining and staking activities are not classified as securities offerings and exempts them from money transmitter license requirements.
Rep. Adam Bowling introduced HB 701 on Feb. 19. It passed the Kentucky House of Representatives on Feb. 28 with all 91 members voting in favor. The State Senate also approved the bill with a 37-0 vote on March 13, leading to its enactment.
Kentucky Proposes Bitcoin Reserve Bill
Kentucky lawmakers have also introduced a Bitcoin reserve bill that would allow the State Investment Commission to allocate up to 10% of excess state funds into Bitcoin and other digital assets. The proposal is still under legislative review and has not yet advanced.
If approved, Kentucky would join a small but growing number of U.S. states exploring Bitcoin reserves. This effort follows a similar move by Oklahoma, where lawmakers are pushing for a state-backed Bitcoin reserve.
The bill comes as more states introduce cryptocurrency-related measures to define Bitcoin’s legal standing and establish frameworks for its use in state finances. Other states, including Arizona and Missouri, are also reviewing similar proposals.
Oklahoma Moves Forward With Bitcoin Reserve Legislation
Oklahoma’s House Bill 1203 (HB 1203), known as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, has passed the State House of Representatives with a 77-15 vote. The bill, introduced by Rep. Cody Maynard on Jan. 15, seeks to establish a Bitcoin reserve at the state level.
The proposal moved through the Government Oversight Committee with a 12-2 vote on Feb. 25. It now heads to the Oklahoma Senate, where it must pass before reaching the governor’s desk for approval.
According to Bitcoin Laws, a group tracking Bitcoin-related legislation, Oklahoma is now tied with Texas in the state Bitcoin reserve race. Arizona remains ahead, with its digital asset reserve bills advancing through the House.
Arizona Takes Lead in Bitcoin Reserve Efforts
Arizona has made progress with two strategic digital asset reserve bills, both of which cleared the House Rules Committee on March 24. The bills now proceed to the House floor for a full vote.
If approved, Arizona could become the first U.S. state to establish a Bitcoin reserve. The legislation is part of a broader trend among state governments exploring digital assets as part of their investment strategies.
Missouri lawmakers are also evaluating a Bitcoin reserve bill. The Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs is currently reviewing the measure, but it remains in the early legislative stages.
As states continue debating Bitcoin’s role in government reserves, legislation around cryptocurrency protections and financial integration is expanding across the U.S.
