The state of Utah proposes investing public funds in crypto

• Utah bill aims to allow state funds in crypto.
• The bill limits investments to high-cap or stablecoins.
• Security is assured through encrypted key storage.

In a groundbreaking move towards embracing digital finance, Utah has introduced a bill titled “Blockchain and Digital Innovation Amendments (H.B. 230)“, which would allow the state’s treasury to invest in cryptocurrencies.

The bill, presented by State Representative Jordan Teuscher, seeks to integrate blockchain technology into the state’s financial strategy, marking Utah as a potential pioneer in state-level cryptocurrency investment.

10% of key state accounts to be invested in crypto

Under the proposed legislation, the Utah State Treasurer would be empowered to allocate up to 10% of several key state accounts into digital assets.

These accounts include the State Disaster Recovery Restricted Account, General Fund Budget Reserve Account, Income Tax Fund Budget Reserve Account, and Medicaid Growth Reduction and Budget Stabilization Account.

This move is aimed at diversifying state investments and potentially reaping benefits from the volatile yet lucrative crypto market.

To qualify for investment, digital assets must either have a market capitalization exceeding $500 billion, averaged over 12 months, or be stablecoins with stringent backing requirements, like being supported by the US. dollars or high-quality liquid assets, alongside regulatory approval. This criterion effectively narrows down the investment options to major players like Bitcoin or select stablecoins.

To cater for the security of the investments, the H.B. 230 bill mandates that cryptographic private keys be stored in highly secure, encrypted environments accessible only through end-to-end encrypted channels. Additionally, hardware containing these keys must be housed in at least two geographically diverse secure data centres, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.

The legislation also champions individual rights by prohibiting any state or local government entity from restricting the use of self-hosted or hardware wallet solutions for personal custody of digital assets.

This initiative aligns with a growing trend across the US, where states like Oklahoma, New Hampshire, and Texas are also exploring similar avenues for crypto investment or donation.

If passed, H.B. 230 would come into effect on May 7, 2025, positioning Utah at the forefront of state-led crypto investment in America. The bill reflects a broader commitment to technological innovation and fiscal sovereignty in the face of evolving financial landscapes.