Last night, the Kentucky Senate unanimously approved a measure designed to safeguard Bitcoin self-custody rights and digital asset mining activities. With a conclusive 37-0 vote, the statute, titled AN ACT concerning blockchain digital assets (HB 701), is now headed to the Governor for final sanction.
Championed by Representatives Adam Bowling and T.J. Roberts, the measure asserts the right of citizens to self-custody digital assets using self-hosted wallets. Furthermore, it prohibits local zoning regulations from unfairly targeting digital asset mining enterprises, ensuring that Bitcoin miners can function without hindrance across the state.
The legislation details several important provisions, including:
- Safeguarding Bitcoin self-custody: Individuals possess the lawful entitlement to utilize and secure digital assets in self-hosted wallets.
- Banning discriminatory zoning regulations: Local authorities are prohibited from enacting zoning alterations that disproportionately impact digital asset mining enterprises.
- Exemptions from money transmitter licensing: Domestic Bitcoin miners and digital asset mining enterprises are exempt from Kentucky’s money transmitter obligations.
- Clarification of securities legislation: Digital asset mining and staking as a service are explicitly not classified as securities under Kentucky regulations.
Following its passage in the Kentucky House with a 91-0 vote on February 28, 2025, the measure rapidly advanced through the Senate. The March 13 vote saw complete bipartisan support, with 37 senators voting in favor, none opposed, and one abstaining.
The legislation is now waiting for the Governor’s endorsement, which would formally entrench Bitcoin self-custody rights and digital asset mining privileges into Kentucky law. If enacted, Kentucky will become one of the most Bitcoin-friendly regions in the nation, establishing a benchmark for other states to emulate.
