Ohio Senator Pushes for State Bitcoin Reserve Fund
Ohio is making bold moves in the Bitcoin space. Senator Sandra O’Brien has introduced Ohio Senate Bill 57, a proposal that would allow the state’s treasurer to invest in Bitcoin—exclusively Bitcoin—to establish the Ohio Bitcoin Reserve Fund.
A Strategic Bitcoin Investment
The bill, introduced on Jan. 28, 2025, was referred to the Financial Institutions, Insurance, and Technology Committee the following day. If passed, it would permit Ohio’s state treasurer to allocate state funds solely into Bitcoin, requiring a minimum five-year holding period and strict secure custody solutions to protect the digital asset.
Senator O’Brien took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the urgency of positioning Ohio as a leader in crypto adoption:
“The crypto world is here, and Ohio needs to be a leader. Crypto will be a major part of President Trump’s term. When his working group issues recommendations, Ohio will be ready.”
Trump’s Executive Order and National Bitcoin Reserves
This move aligns with recent federal developments. On Jan. 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a crypto working group to evaluate the creation of a national digital asset stockpile. O’Brien’s bill could position Ohio as a first-mover among states preparing for broader Bitcoin adoption at a national level.
Bitcoin Payments for Government Services
Beyond the Bitcoin reserve itself, SB 57 would mandate state entities and government agencies to accept Bitcoin for payments, including:
Taxes
Fees
Fines
Other government charges
All crypto payments collected by state agencies would then be converted into Bitcoin and transferred to the Ohio Bitcoin Reserve Fund, ensuring that the state continues to accumulate BTC as part of its treasury strategy.
Encouraging Donations to the Bitcoin Reserve
The bill also proposes an initiative to allow Ohio residents, state agencies, and universities to donate Bitcoin directly to the reserve fund. To incentivize participation, the state treasurer would be authorized to establish a recognition program for significant donors who contribute to the fund.
A Pioneering Move for Bitcoin Adoption
If passed, Ohio would become one of the first states in the U.S. to officially integrate Bitcoin into its financial infrastructure. This bill reinforces the growing trend of Bitcoin as a treasury asset, following in the footsteps of corporations, institutions, and even nation-states exploring Bitcoin reserves.
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