Crypto Bills Surge Across the US as States Embrace Digital Assets

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The United States is witnessing a transformative wave of cryptocurrency legislation, with states rapidly introducing bills to integrate digital assets into public finance and regulatory frameworks. As blockchain technology reshapes global finance, American lawmakers are stepping up efforts to position their states at the forefront of this digital revolution. From North Carolina to Texas, state-level initiatives are redefining how governments interact with crypto—through investments, reserves, and innovation-friendly policies.

This surge in legislative activity reflects a broader shift: digital assets are no longer niche experiments but serious components of economic strategy. With over nine states introducing new crypto-related laws in early 2025 alone, the momentum suggests a decentralized but coordinated push toward institutional adoption.

North Carolina Takes First Step with State-Backed Crypto Investments

North Carolina has emerged as a pioneer in state-level crypto investment through the introduction of the NC Digital Asset Investments Act, filed on February 10. This landmark bill grants the state treasurer authority to invest in digital assets via exchange-traded products (ETPs), marking a significant step toward mainstream financial integration.

Under the proposed law, only ETPs with a minimum market capitalization of $750 billion from the previous year are eligible for investment. Additionally, no more than 10% of state funds can be allocated to digital asset purchases, ensuring risk is carefully managed.

👉 Discover how state treasurers are turning crypto into a strategic asset class.

State Representative Destin Hall emphasized that this legislation positions North Carolina as a leader in technological advancement. He noted that the bill aligns with broader national trends supporting blockchain innovation, including policy directions championed by former President Donald Trump. The bill has already cleared its initial legislative hurdle and is now under review by the Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

This measured, regulated approach reflects a growing consensus: crypto isn’t just for retail investors—it’s becoming part of public financial stewardship.

Michigan Advances Toward a State Crypto Reserve

Michigan lawmakers are not far behind. On February 13, Representatives Bryan Posthumus and Ron Robinson introduced legislation that would allow the state treasurer to allocate up to 10% of Michigan’s investment portfolio to cryptocurrency—a move that would make Michigan the 20th state to adopt such a policy.

The goal? To generate long-term financial gains while maintaining fiscal responsibility. One notable proposal under consideration is "MichCoin," a hypothetical asset backed by gold and silver reserves, blending traditional value storage with modern blockchain infrastructure.

Beyond direct investment, Michigan is also launching a 17-member task force to study the broader implications of crypto adoption. This committee will evaluate impacts on the state’s economy, legal system, and energy consumption, delivering a comprehensive report by December 15, 2027.

The dual focus—on both practical investment and deep research—positions Michigan as a model for balanced, forward-thinking crypto policy.

New York Reconsiders Its Regulatory Stance

Despite its reputation as a financial powerhouse, New York has faced criticism for its restrictive BitLicense framework, which many argue stifles innovation in the crypto sector. Critics say the licensing requirements create high barriers to entry, discouraging startups and driving talent to more welcoming states like Texas and Wyoming.

Now, change may be on the horizon. Mayor Eric Adams has publicly called for the elimination of BitLicense, advocating for a more competitive and open environment for crypto businesses. In response, new legislation proposes forming a specialized task force to assess how blockchain technology can benefit New York’s economy—without compromising consumer protection or energy sustainability.

This shift signals that even traditionally cautious regulators are recognizing the need to adapt. As national standards evolve, states like New York may soon find themselves racing to catch up rather than leading the charge.

Texas Strengthens Its Position as a Crypto Leader

Texas continues to lead the pack with bold, pro-crypto legislation. On February 12, a new bill was introduced that would allow the state to establish a Bitcoin-only reserve, removing previous spending caps and enabling unlimited holdings of BTC.

To qualify for inclusion in the reserve, any cryptocurrency must have maintained a $500 billion market capitalization over the past 12 months—a threshold currently met only by Bitcoin. By focusing exclusively on BTC, Texas underscores its confidence in the original and most secure blockchain network.

Senator Charles Schwertner listed this bill among the Senate’s top 40 priorities, highlighting its strategic importance. With abundant energy resources and a business-friendly climate, Texas is rapidly becoming the epicenter of blockchain innovation in the U.S.

👉 See how Bitcoin reserves could reshape state economies.

Broader Momentum: More States Join the Movement

The momentum isn’t limited to these key players. In February 2025, five additional states—Florida, Utah, Ohio, Missouri, and Kentucky—launched initiatives exploring Bitcoin reserves and public crypto investments. These efforts reflect a growing bipartisan recognition that digital assets offer real value in portfolio diversification and long-term wealth preservation.

However, not all proposals succeed. North Dakota and Wyoming recently rejected similar measures, underscoring that adoption remains uneven and subject to local political dynamics. Still, the overall trend is clear: more states are viewing crypto not as a speculative fad but as a legitimate tool for economic resilience.

Federal Influence and the Path Forward

While state actions dominate headlines, federal developments play a crucial role. Congress is increasingly treating cryptocurrency as a core policy issue—not an afterthought. National discussions around stablecoin regulation, investor protection, and onshore compliance are setting foundational standards that will guide state-level frameworks.

When comprehensive federal rules emerge, they will likely harmonize disparate state laws, creating a more predictable environment for investors and innovators alike. Until then, states are acting as laboratories of democracy—testing models that could shape national policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are U.S. states investing in cryptocurrency now?
A: States are recognizing crypto as a viable asset class for portfolio diversification and long-term value storage. With inflation concerns and low yields on traditional bonds, digital assets like Bitcoin offer potential growth with limited correlation to other markets.

Q: Is there a risk in allowing states to invest in crypto?
A: Yes—but risks are being mitigated through strict criteria. Most bills limit exposure (e.g., 10% cap) and require high market capitalization thresholds ($500B+), reducing volatility impact and ensuring only mature assets are considered.

Q: Which cryptocurrency is most likely to be adopted by states?
A: Bitcoin is the frontrunner due to its market dominance, security, longevity, and decentralized nature. Its $1 trillion+ market cap makes it the only digital asset meeting current legislative thresholds.

Q: What happens if a state loses money on crypto investments?
A: Losses would be absorbed like any other investment fluctuation. However, strict risk controls—such as diversification limits and eligibility requirements—are designed to minimize downside exposure.

Q: Could federal law override state crypto initiatives?
A: Potentially. While states have broad authority over their treasuries, federal regulations on securities, taxation, or monetary policy could influence or restrict certain activities in the future.

Q: Are these laws only about investment?
A: No. Many include research components, task forces, or pilot programs aimed at understanding broader impacts—such as energy use, financial inclusion, and regulatory compliance.

👉 Explore how governments are integrating blockchain into public finance systems.

Core Keywords

As more states embrace digital assets through structured legislation, the U.S. is building a decentralized yet powerful foundation for national crypto integration—one bill at a time.