
Utah's House has advanced a bill (HB230) that could allow the state to invest public funds in Bitcoin and other high-cap crypto.
While supporters like Dennis Porter see this as a major step for Bitcoin adoption, critics like Justin Bechler argue the bill's language is too broad.
Other states like Arizona and New Mexico are considering similar Bitcoin-friendly legislation, while North Dakota recently rejected it.
Donald Trumpโs Bitcoin Reserve plan excited investors last year, pushing Bitcoin to an all-time high of $109,000. But since then, the market has cooled. Today, Bitcoin is struggling to stay above $100,000, as Trumpโs administration has yet to take any major steps toward implementing the plan.
Now, while the federal government drags its feet, one U.S. state is taking matters into its own hands.
Hereโs whatโs really happening.
Utah Advances Bill to Invest Public Funds in Crypto
While federal action remains uncertain, Utah is taking the lead in crypto adoption. The stateโs House has passed a bill that could allow public funds to be invested in Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies. Known as HB230, the bill now moves to the Senate, bringing Utah closer to becoming the first U.S. state to hold Bitcoin in its treasuryโat least, according to its supporters.
Representative Jordan Teuscher introduced the bill, which would let the state treasurer invest up to 5% of certain public funds in โqualifying digital assets.โ This could include Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other top cryptos.
Dennis Porter, CEO of Satoshi Action Fund, celebrated the billโs progress, calling it a massive win for Bitcoin adoption in the U.S. Joining the excitement, Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett said that the states are moving fast on BTC legislation.ย ย
But not everyone is convinced. Crypto analyst Justin Bechler argues that the bill doesnโt actually create a โStrategic Bitcoin Reserve.โ
He pointed out that Bitcoin isnโt explicitly mentioned in the bill, raising concerns that it may be a broader crypto investment plan rather than a true Bitcoin-focused initiative.
Dennis Porter responded to these doubts, explaining that the bill was written this way on purpose. He said the language is designed so that only Bitcoin qualifies, even if it isnโt directly named. This approach, he argues, helps avoid political opposition and makes it easier for states to invest in Bitcoin.
Other States Are Jumping In
Utah isnโt alone in pushing for Bitcoin-friendly laws. Arizona has a similar bill, SB1025, which recently passed the Senate Finance Committee and is awaiting a House vote. New Mexico is also in the race with SB57, which would allocate 5% of public funds to Bitcoin.
Not all states are on board, though. North Dakota recently rejected a crypto investment bill, with lawmakers voting 57-32 against it. These mixed responses show that while some states are eager to integrate Bitcoin into public finance, others remain skeptical.
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