Utah passed the Bitcoin bill but removed the Bitcoin spare plan. The approved bill protects mining, staking, and self-duty. The bill is currently awaiting signing by Governor Cox and will then come into effect from May 2025.
On March 7, 2025, Utah lawmakers took a major step towards integrating cryptocurrencies into the state’s legal framework by passing HB230, the “amendment to blockchain and digital innovation.”
However, the law approved by the Senate by the 19-7-3 vote no longer includes the original groundbreaking provisions to establish the state’s Bitcoin reserve. Instead, it focuses on promoting a supportive environment for blockchain technology and protecting the rights of residents involved in digital assets.
The bill is currently awaiting signing by Gov. Spencer Cox. Spencer Cox has yet to show his stance. If signed into law, it will come into effect on May 7, 2025, and Utah will become a progressive player in the US cryptocurrency landscape without the protection clause that once promised to pioneer it.
Bitcoin Reserve Competition
Initially featured by Rep. Jordan Teusher and sponsored by Sen. Kirk A. Karimore, HB230 aimed to position Utah as the first US state to hold Bitcoin at the Treasury Department.
The original proposal allowed state accounts to invest 10% of certain public funds in Bitcoin (BTC). The clause survived previous votes and raised hope among cryptography supporters.
However, during reading in the third and final Senate, lawmakers stripped the bill of preparation provisions. Senator Karimore acknowledged the changes in the Senate floor, citing concerns over Utah’s early adoption of such bold monetary policy.
The House later agreed to the amendment by 52-19-4 votes, reflecting a careful setback from the state-controlled idea of ​​Bitcoin investment.
Approved bills protect Utah Crypto holders
Despite removing the reserve clause, HB230 retains important provisions that strengthen the Utah blockchain ecosystem.
Approved laws ensure that residents can support their digital assets independently without national interference. This is an important victory over individual freedom in the crypto space. It also protects the right to mining Bitcoin, manipulate blockchain nodes and participate in central staking in its dangerous, decentralized nature.
These measures aim to empower Utanz and attract blockchain innovators to the state. The bill will lay the foundation for growth in this emerging sector by clarifying legal terms related to digital assets and banning restrictive regulations.
Supporters argue that the bill balances innovation and security, positioning Utah as a potential hub for crypto-related businesses.
25 out of 31 Bitcoin Reservation Invoices remain active in the US
Utah’s legislative journey reflects the national push towards Bitcoin integration. While the state retreated from its reserve ambitions, Arizona and Texas passed Senate committee votes and are moving forward with similar legislation.
According to Bitcoin law data, 25 out of 31 introduced Bitcoin reserve costs across the United States. State such as Illinois and New Hampshire also participate in the race.
At the federal level, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 7, 2025, using seized assets to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve. The move, combined with a budget-neutral acquisition plan, highlights the growing acceptance of Bitcoin (BTC) at both the state and national levels.
Utah’s amendment bill, although not ambitious, is consistent with this trend by prioritizing civic participation over direct state investment.
