Simply put
- An Indiana lawmaker has proposed a bill focused on cryptocurrencies.
- State-managed retirement funds would need to provide some exposure.
- Local governments won’t be able to restrict cryptocurrency use in payments.
On Thursday, Indiana lawmakers put forward a bill aimed at broadening access to digital assets for residents while also preventing local governments from creating regulations that might limit cryptocurrency usage.
The proposal, from Republican Rep. Kyle Pearce, would mandate that retirement and savings programs for public employees include exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that give a chance for cryptocurrency investment.
Moreover, the bill seeks to restrict local governments from implementing rules that could “unreasonably” diminish the use of digital assets for payments or mining, as well as individuals’ rights to manage their own digital assets.
This legislation was presented in the Indiana House Financial Institutions Committee, coinciding with the start of the 2026 legislative session, which began unusually in January due to redistricting debates.
Pearce, who joined the Indiana House in 2022, emphasized the need for a smart and responsible approach regarding cryptocurrencies, stating that the bill would expand investment options for Hoosiers while also establishing necessary guidelines.
The proposed bill also contains provisions that would require states to assess their use of virtual currencies, allowing for pilot programs to test new ideas.
Importantly, it would ensure that local governments can’t push cryptocurrency miners out of industrial areas and would safeguard “private digital asset mining” from restrictions in residential districts.
This initiative stands apart from those in other states that permit governments to allocate digital assets independently. For instance, New Hampshire has passed a similar bill, while others have considered taxing transactions to support public health programs.
Throughout this year, various state legislatures have explored bills reflecting the concept of a Bitcoin strategic reserve, a notion previously endorsed by Donald Trump. Besides New Hampshire, states like Texas and Arizona are among the few pushing for action in this area.
