This renewed push for a Bitcoin reserve in Ohio shows state legislators’ rising interest in cryptocurrencies as they look for new methods to manage public finances and perhaps profit from the burgeoning digital asset ecosystem.
Senate Bill 57, introduced on Jan. 28 and referred to the Financial Institutions, Insurance, and Technology Committee on Jan. 29, would authorize the state to allocate funds solely to Bitcoin. The bill mandates that Bitcoin holdings be retained for a minimum of five years and stored using secure custody solutions.
O’Brien emphasized Ohio’s need to take a leadership role in cryptocurrency, stating that “the crypto world is here.” She also noted that crypto will play a significant role in former President Trump’s potential term, and Ohio should be prepared for forthcoming recommendations from his crypto working group.
Trump recently signed an executive order on Jan. 23 to establish a working group assessing the creation of a national digital asset stockpile.
Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies accept cryptocurrency payments—including for taxes, fees, and fines—and convert all received crypto into Bitcoin before transferring it to the reserve. It also allows Ohio residents, government agencies, and universities to contribute Bitcoin to the fund, with provisions for a recognition program to honor major donors.
This renewed push for a Bitcoin reserve in Ohio reflects the growing interest in cryptocurrency among state policymakers as they explore innovative ways to manage public finances and potentially capitalize on the emerging digital asset landscape.
