Michaela
House Bill 116, known as the Bitcoin Rights bill, has been unanimously approved by Ohio’s House Technology and Innovation Committee, spotlighting the state’s growing commitment to leading in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Introduced by Republican Representative Steve Demetriou, the bill aims to safeguard the rights of digital asset owners and now moves to the full Ohio House of Representatives for discussion and voting.
Demetriou described the voting day as a historic milestone for Ohio, emphasizing that it establishes a foundation to foster emerging technologies and enhance financial autonomy for its residents.
The unanimous 13-0 vote reflects growing bipartisan agreement on the necessity of clear legal protections for digital asset users at the state level.
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The Ohio Bitcoin Rights bill aims to safeguard the rights of Ohio residents and businesses operating blockchain nodes and engaging in cryptocurrency mining. Ohio intends for the legislation to attract blockchain infrastructure development while preventing the regulatory challenges seen in other states.
Additionally, the Bitcoin Rights bill introduces a $200 exemption from state capital gains tax on profits from digital asset transactions. This measure aims to ease the tax burden on small-scale crypto users, including those engaged in low-value trades or peer-to-peer transfers, who are often scrutinized by tax authorities.
Those in support of the bill argue that it will promote the everyday adoption of digital currencies by simplifying tax obligations, enabling Ohio residents to use Bitcoin and other digital assets for payments, microtransactions, and tipping with greater ease.
While the Ohio Bitcoin Rights bill has garnered strong bipartisan support, it now faces the challenge of navigating the full legislative process before becoming law. Observers note that Ohio’s move reflects a broader shift among states aiming to balance innovation with regulation in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
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As lawmakers continue to weigh the potential economic benefits against regulatory concerns, the outcome could set an important precedent for other states considering similar measures.
The final decision will reveal how Ohio positions itself in the growing competition to attract blockchain businesses and shape the future of cryptocurrency policy in the United States.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
