Yesterday night, the Kentucky Senate unanimously handed a invoice geared toward defending Bitcoin self-custody rights and digital asset mining operations. With a decisive 37-0 vote, the laws, titled AN ACT regarding blockchain digital belongings (HB 701), now strikes to the Governor’s desk for ultimate approval.
Sponsored by Representatives Adam Bowling and T.J. Roberts, the invoice affirms the suitable of people to self-custody digital belongings by way of self-hosted wallets. Moreover, it prevents native zoning legal guidelines from discriminating in opposition to digital asset mining companies, making certain that Bitcoin miners can function freely throughout the state.
The invoice outlines a number of key provisions, together with:
Safety for Bitcoin self-custody: People have the authorized proper to make use of and retailer digital belongings in self-hosted wallets. Prohibition of discriminatory zoning legal guidelines: Native governments can not impose zoning adjustments that unfairly goal digital asset mining companies. Exemptions from cash transmitter licensing: Dwelling Bitcoin miners and digital asset mining companies are exempt from Kentucky’s cash transmitter necessities. Clarification of securities legal guidelines: Digital asset mining and staking as a service are explicitly not categorised as securities below Kentucky regulation.
After passing by way of the Kentucky Home with a 91-0 vote on February 28, 2025, the invoice moved swiftly by way of the Senate. The March 13 vote noticed full bipartisan assist, with 37 senators voting in favor, zero opposed, and one not voting.
The laws now awaits the Governor’s signature, which might formally enshrine Bitcoin self-custody protections and digital asset mining rights into Kentucky regulation. If signed, Kentucky will develop into one of many extra Bitcoin-friendly states within the nation, setting a precedent for different states to observe.
