Kentucky has officially become one of the most crypto-friendly states in the U.S. after Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 701—dubbed the “Bitcoin Rights” bill—into law on March 24. The legislation protects residents’ rights to use and hold digital assets, run crypto nodes, and mine Bitcoin without interference or discrimination.

The bill, first introduced by Rep. Adam Bowling on Feb. 19, received unanimous support in both chambers: 91-0 in the House and 37-0 in the Senate. Backed by the crypto advocacy group Satoshi Action Fund, the law enshrines key protections for digital asset users and miners. It specifically bans local zoning regulations targeting crypto mining and clarifies that mining and staking are not considered securities offerings. It also exempts crypto miners from needing money transmitter licenses.

The law echoes a similar bill passed in Oklahoma in May 2024 and places Kentucky among a growing list of states asserting digital asset rights at the legislative level.

Kentucky is also eyeing a Bitcoin reserve strategy. A new bill under review would allow the State Investment Commission to allocate up to 10% of excess reserves into Bitcoin and other digital assets.

Meanwhile, other states are jumping into the Bitcoin reserve race. Oklahoma’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (HB 1203) passed its House 77-15 and now awaits Senate approval. Arizona leads the charge, with two reserve bills heading for a full House vote. Missouri is also reviewing similar legislation.

With Republican support strong in Oklahoma’s Senate and governor’s office, chances are high the Sooner State will follow Kentucky’s lead in cementing Bitcoin’s role in public finance.