New Hampshire Bitcoin Investment Bill Passes Second Senate Committee

New Hampshire’s House Bill 302, which allows the state to invest in Bitcoin and precious metals, has advanced through its second Senate Committee. The bill garnered a 4-1 vote on April 23rd, marking its progress to the next stage. This milestone follows successful passage of multiple legislative stages, including an initial 16-1 vote in the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. The bill permits the State treasurer to invest up to 10% of public funds into precious metals and digital assets exceeding $500 billion in market capitalization, with Bitcoin currently meeting this requirement. Representative Terry Spahr voiced concerns about the potential for security risks associated with these investments. However, Representative Jordan Ulery advocated for the bill’s potential economic benefits. The passage of HB302 aligns with a growing trend of U.S. states exploring digital asset investment opportunities. According to data from Bitcoin Laws, 20 states are considering similar legislation and 23 have already introduced it. Notably, four states (Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, and Texas) have successfully passed their corresponding Bitcoin reserve bills out of committee. If enacted, these initiatives could result in the purchase of up to $23 billion worth of Bitcoin, equivalent to around 247,000 BTC. This trend highlights the increasing involvement of U.S. states in the cryptocurrency landscape.