Yerevan (CoinChapter.com) — Oklahoma and Texas are moving forward with plans to adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset. Lawmakers in both states have introduced legislation to include Bitcoin in the state fiscal system.
Texas Bitcoin Reserve Proposal Draws Attention
Texas Senator Charles Schwertner has introduced Senate Bill 778 to establish a Bitcoin reserve. The legislation would allow the state to hold Bitcoin as an asset and accept Bitcoin as payment for taxes, fees, and public contributions. Schwertner announced that if passed, Texas would become the first state in the United States to adopt a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
“It’s time for Texas to take the lead in building a strategic Bitcoin reserve.”
Schwertner shared on X. The proposal includes measures such as secure storage through cold wallets, regular audits and transparency protocols. Funds used to purchase Bitcoin will be limited to 1% of the state's general revenue.
Another proposal, House Bill 1598, introduced by Representative Giovanni Capriglione in December, seeks to allow Bitcoin donations and requires the state treasurer to hold Bitcoin as a reserve for at least five years. The two bills reflect Texas' interest in using Bitcoin for financial diversification.
Oklahoma proposes strategic Bitcoin reserve bill
Representative Cody Maynard introduced Bill 1203, called the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on January 15. The bill proposes to use a portion of the state’s pension funds and savings accounts to invest in Bitcoin. Maynard emphasized Bitcoin’s potential in protecting against inflation and maintaining purchasing power.
“Bitcoin represents freedom from bureaucrats who drain our purchasing power.”
He said the proposal highlights Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and limited supply as key factors in financial security.
If passed, the legislation would allow Oklahoma to strategically allocate assets to Bitcoin like other states.
US states push for Bitcoin reserve legislation
The moves in Texas and Oklahoma are part of a broader trend. In November 2024, Pennsylvania lawmakers proposed investing up to $101T of the state treasury's assets in Bitcoin. Representative Mike Cabell supported the proposal, citing examples of private companies like BlackRock and Fidelity using Bitcoin to diversify their investments.
North Dakota and New Hampshire also introduced Bitcoin Reserve bills on January 10. The North Dakota proposal has 11 co-sponsors, while the New Hampshire bill uses broader terminology to include digital assets beyond Bitcoin.
Currently, 13 U.S. states are promoting legislation to incorporate Bitcoin into their financial strategies, indicating that its acceptance as a financial instrument is increasing.
Global Acceptance of Bitcoin Reserves
International interest in Bitcoin reserves is growing. Countries such as Japan, Switzerland, and Russia are exploring the role of Bitcoin in their financial systems. In Canada, the city of Vancouver has already included Bitcoin in its municipal reserves.
A report from asset management firm VanEck predicts that adopting Bitcoin reserves could reduce the U.S. national debt by 36% by 2025. This shows that people are increasingly interested in Bitcoin's potential to enhance financial resilience.