New Hampshire has enacted the first state-level strategic Bitcoin reserve law in the United States, allocating a portion of its state funds to Bitcoin (BTC) and establishing a framework for selecting digital assets.
Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the law on HB 302 on May 6, allowing state accounts to hold Bitcoin in a regulated spare structure. The model policy developed by the nonprofit Satoshi Action Fund aims to formalize the use of Bitcoin as a financial reserve asset for state governments.
Introduced by Rep. Keith Ammon (R-Hillsborough 40), the law was first proposed in 2022 and passed with support from majority leaders Jason Osborne, the New Hampshire Blockchain Council and other local supporters.
The Act allows treasurers to purchase Bitcoin and other digital assets at a market capitalization of more than $500 billion, currently including Bitcoin alone.
Holdings are limited to 5% of the state’s reserve portfolio, and US regulated custody arrangements must ensure that.
Ayot Confirmed Signing the law on social media said:
“New Hampshire is once again the first in the country! We have signed a new law that will allow our state to invest in cryptocurrencies and precious metals.”
A New Hampshire Republican has reiterated the governor’s remarks. Posts “Live Free or Die State is leading the way in building the future of commercial and digital assets.”
Nationally controlled, multi-signature schemes, eligible custodians, or products traded on US-based exchanges will retain assets and ensure compliance and transparency. The law will remain in effect for 60 days from its inception.
Dennis Porter, CEO of Satoshi Action Fund, also issued a statement, describing HB 302 as a blueprint for national adoption.
Growing movement
With this approval, New Hampshire will be the first US state to enact laws establishing strategic Bitcoin reserves.
According to Bitcoin law data37 out of 50 states have introduced similar legislative proposals, but most have so far been declining. The remaining 13 states have not yet filed state-level Bitcoin Reserve Acts.
The Satoshi Action Fund has drafted more than 20 similar bills nationwide and advocates Bitcoin-based reserves to diversify its financial strategy.
The organization reports it has supported the passage of six ProBitcoin state laws to date, claiming that more than 220,000 compositions have been generated to support such initiatives across the country.
HB 302 positions New Hampshire as a test case for wider state-level Bitcoin adoption.
SBR race
According to the Bitcoin Act’s “National Reserve Race” tracker, Arizona is the best candidate for the second strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill enacted as law.
On May 1st, the Senate majority Recommended consent Due to amendments to the House of Representatives of SB 1373 in Arizona. The Senate sends the bill for review by the House of Representatives office, which can go to the governor’s desk.
North Carolina and Texas are quickly pushing the back, reclamating the code being presented to the Senate committee for a second review.
New Hampshire has introduced the first enforceable framework for holding Bitcoin in US public financial accounts by establishing legal reserve policies and setting operational parameters.