New Hampshire has become the first state in the US to adopt a strategic Bitcoin reserve (SBR) bill, marking a significant milestone for cryptocurrency regulation. The legislation (HB 302), signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte, allows the state to allocate up to 5% of its funds towards Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with market capitalization exceeding $500 billion. While no immediate purchases are planned, the law will be effective in 60 days. The bill’s sponsor, Keith Ammon, a longtime advocate for Bitcoin, previously introduced bills allowing the state to accept Bitcoin in 2016 and regulate decentralized autonomous organizations in 2023. Following Arizona’s attempt to become the first state to pass an SBR bill, Governor Katie Hobbs blocked the effort. New Hampshire is known as a libertarian hub with no state income tax or sales tax, strong rights for businesses, and local governments that lean towards decentralization. Its House of Representatives is considered one of the most libertarian-focused in the US. Notably, several other states are actively pursuing similar legislation.