New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed into law a package of blockchain-related legislation referred to as the state’s “Blockchain Basic Laws,” marking the latest step in the state’s effort to create a favorable regulatory environment for digital assets, according to a statement from her office.
The newly signed laws establish legal protections for blockchain network participants, including miners, stakers, and software developers operating within state borders. The legislation clarifies that running a node, contributing code to open-source blockchain projects, and providing staking services do not automatically constitute money transmission or require a state license, removing a key source of legal uncertainty for smaller operators.
The bill package follows New Hampshire’s earlier adoption of a Bitcoin reserve measure, which allows the state treasurer to hold a portion of public funds in Bitcoin and other digital assets. Together, the two legislative efforts position New Hampshire as one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the United States, alongside states like Wyoming and Texas.
Supporters of the legislation argue that clear legal frameworks will attract blockchain companies and developers to the state, boosting economic activity and creating high-skilled jobs. Critics, however, have raised concerns about consumer protection risks and the environmental impact of proof-of-work mining.
The new laws also include provisions protecting self-custody of digital assets, ensuring that residents can hold their own cryptocurrency wallets without government interference. This aligns with similar legislation passed in other states aimed at preserving the right to use digital currencies without mandatory third-party custody.
New Hampshire has historically been receptive to cryptocurrency and blockchain initiatives, driven in part by the state’s libertarian-leaning political culture. The state is home to numerous blockchain-focused businesses and has hosted Bitcoin conferences and meetups for years.
This article was adapted from Decrypt. Read the original here.
