- New Hampshire has enacted House Bill 302, authorizing the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of public funds in Bitcoin and other digital assets
- Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the bill into law on May 6, 2025, making New Hampshire the first U.S. state to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
- The law mandates that digital assets be held through U.S.-regulated custody solutions or exchange-traded products, ensuring secure and compliant storage
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed House Bill 302 into law, enabling the state to invest a portion of its public funds in Bitcoin and select digital assets. This legislation positions New Hampshire as the first U.S. state to formalize a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, setting a precedent for state-level cryptocurrency adoption. The law stipulates that up to 5% of the state’s reserve portfolio can be allocated to digital assets with substantial market capitalization, currently including only Bitcoin.
Four Months From Draft to Law
New Hampshire first floated the idea of a state-level Bitcoin reserve in January 2025, when Representative Keith Ammon introduced House Bill 302 to the legislature. Four months on, Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed the measure into law, setting the stage for its implementation in 60 days. The bill lays the groundwork for incorporating digital assets into the state’s financial planning and reserves strategy.
The legislation mandates that any digital assets acquired be held through U.S.-regulated custody solutions or exchange-traded products, ensuring secure and compliant storage. This approach aims to mitigate risks associated with digital asset investments while providing the state with a diversified portfolio. The initiative reflects a growing interest among state governments in exploring cryptocurrency as a hedge against inflation and financial instability.
“First in the Nation!”
Governor Ayotte expressed enthusiasm about the legislation, stating, “New Hampshire is once again First in the Nation!” This sentiment underscores the state’s commitment to innovation and leadership in financial policy. The bill’s passage also highlights the efforts of Representative Keith Ammon, who introduced the legislation, and Majority Leader Jason Osborne, who supported its advancement through the state legislature.
The enactment of House Bill 302 positions New Hampshire at the forefront of state-level cryptocurrency adoption, potentially serving as a model for other states considering similar measures. While several states have introduced comparable legislation, New Hampshire’s successful passage and implementation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve law set a precedent that may influence future policy decisions across the country.
