Kentucky Governor Signs ‘Bitcoin Rights’ Bill Into Law, Strengthening Crypto Protections

Kentucky has officially joined the growing list of U.S. states enacting pro-Bitcoin legislation. On March 24, Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 701, also known as the “Bitcoin Rights” bill, into law. The bill establishes legal protections for digital asset users, safeguarding their right to self-custody, running blockchain nodes, and participating in crypto mining without discrimination.

The legislation, introduced by Representative Adam Bowling on February 19, received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the Kentucky House (91-0) on February 28 and the Senate (37-0) on March 13 before reaching the governor’s desk.

Key Protections Under Kentucky’s Bitcoin Bill

House Bill 701 introduces several significant measures aimed at protecting and clarifying the status of Bitcoin and digital asset-related activities in Kentucky:

• Self-Custody Rights: Individuals have the explicit right to hold their digital assets in private wallets.
• Node Operations: Running a Bitcoin or blockchain node cannot be restricted through zoning laws or local regulations.
• Mining Protections: Crypto mining activities are protected from discriminatory regulations and excessive local restrictions.
• Regulatory Clarity: The law ensures that staking and mining activities are not classified as securities and exempts crypto mining from money transmitter license requirements.

The bill strengthens Kentucky’s position as one of the more crypto-friendly states in the U.S. and could attract more blockchain businesses and miners to operate within the state.

Potential Bitcoin Investment by the State

Beyond the Bitcoin Rights bill, Kentucky lawmakers are reviewing another proposal that could make the state one of the first to allocate a portion of its reserves to Bitcoin. The proposal suggests allowing up to 10% of excess state reserves to be invested in Bitcoin, though it remains under discussion.

Other U.S. States Advancing Pro-Bitcoin Legislation

Kentucky’s move is part of a broader wave of state-level Bitcoin adoption efforts across the U.S. Several other states are working on Bitcoin-related legislation, focusing on reserves, payroll, and investment policies.

• Oklahoma: The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (House Bill 1203) passed the State House of Representatives (77-15) and now moves to the Senate for further review. Another Oklahoma bill proposes allowing residents to receive salaries in Bitcoin.
• Arizona: Lawmakers advanced two bills that would create a state-controlled digital asset reserve and permit up to 10% of treasury funds to be allocated to Bitcoin.
• Montana: The state is reviewing a Bitcoin and stablecoin reserve proposal, which would allow for diversified asset holdings, including precious metals and digital currencies.
• Missouri: The state legislature is actively considering its own Bitcoin reserve bill, aiming to establish a framework for strategic digital asset investments.

The increasing number of state-level Bitcoin initiatives highlights a shift in how local governments perceive Bitcoin—not just as an investment asset but as part of their financial infrastructure.

The Growing U.S. Bitcoin Legislation Race

According to Bitcoin Laws, a group tracking digital asset legislation, states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona are now leading the State Bitcoin Reserve Race. The Oklahoma Bitcoin Association notes that the strong Republican majority in the Senate increases the likelihood of Bitcoin-friendly laws passing in the state.

While Kentucky has taken a regulatory approach focused on individual rights, other states are moving towards direct Bitcoin investment as part of their treasury management.

What Does It Mean [NFA]

Kentucky’s passage of the Bitcoin Rights bill represents another milestone in U.S. Bitcoin adoption at the state level. By securing legal protections for self-custody, mining, and node operation, the state strengthens the foundation for blockchain innovation and economic growth.

As states like Oklahoma, Arizona, and Missouri push forward with Bitcoin reserve bills, the competition to integrate Bitcoin into government financial strategies is intensifying. While challenges like regulatory uncertainty and price volatility remain, the growing state-level momentum signals a future where Bitcoin plays a larger role in both individual rights and government financial planning.

Community Reaction

Bitcoin maxis and crypto supporters in the US were particularly happy about the news, some pointing out the fact that this could’ve never happened under the previous government.

• Citizen: “Not too long ago under Biden we had to worry about our right to self custody our own stuff or run a simple node in our own houses. So much has changed! Crypto is legally here to stay!”
• Pierre MAIRE: “If we think about that : no other choice, right ? Can’t stop or slow down #Bitcoin“