Bitcoin Policy News
Stay informed on the latest Bitcoin and blockchain policy developments in Rhode Island, across the nation, and at the federal level.
Texas Becomes First State to Purchase Bitcoin for Strategic Reserve
Texas has made history by purchasing approximately $5 million in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), becoming the first U.S. state to fund its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This follows legislation signed by Governor Abbott in June 2025.
Read Full Story →S.2198 Blockchain Study Commission Introduced with Bipartisan Support
Senators DiPalma, Gu, Burke, Urso, Paolino, and Zurier introduce a joint resolution creating a 5-member commission to study blockchain and cryptocurrency, building on 2025's H.5810 momentum. Reports due January 2027 and 2028.
S.2021 Bitcoin Tax Exemption Bill Introduced in RI Senate
Senator Peter A. Appollonio introduces legislation to exempt small Bitcoin transactions (up to $5,000/month) from state income taxes, positioning RI as potentially the first state with such an exemption.
WalletHub: Rhode Island Ranks Dead Last for Starting a Business
Rhode Island ranked #50 in WalletHub's 2026 report, citing high costs, limited resources, and sluggish innovation. Bitcoin-friendly policies could help differentiate the state and attract new businesses.
RI Blockchain Study Bill (H.5810) Engrossed — Furthest 2025 Progress
Rhode Island's bill to create a legislative commission studying blockchain technology reached 50% progression before dying in chamber. Strong foundation for 2026 reintroduction.
Texas Makes First State Bitcoin Purchase — $5M in IBIT
Texas Comptroller's office purchased approximately $5 million in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust when BTC was priced at $91,336, becoming the first state to fund its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Governor Abbott Signs Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SB 21)
Texas establishes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve with SB 21 and HB 4488, including robust legal protections ensuring the reserve cannot be easily dismantled by future legislatures.
New Hampshire Passes First Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Law (HB 302)
Governor Kelly Ayotte signs HB 302, allowing the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of public funds in precious metals or digital assets with market cap over $500 billion.
Arizona Passes Crypto Custody Law (HB 2749)
Arizona updates unclaimed property laws to allow crypto assets to be held in their original form rather than liquidated, creating a pathway to maintain custody of seized Bitcoin.
Presidential Executive Order Establishes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Executive order creates federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile, signaling federal government's recognition of Bitcoin as a strategic asset.
Bitcoin Policy Institute Releases $14 Trillion Model
BPI projects that if 1% of federal taxes were paid in Bitcoin over 20 years, the U.S. could generate up to $14 trillion in cumulative value—a net advantage of ~$13 trillion vs. cash.
SEC Chair Signals Major Shift Toward Crypto Innovation
New SEC leadership indicates regulatory approach will focus on enabling innovation while protecting consumers, a significant shift from previous enforcement-heavy stance.