In a landmark move for digital asset adoption and protection in the United States, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has officially signed House Bill 701—also dubbed the “Bitcoin Rights” bill—into law. The new legislation enshrines the rights of residents to self-custody digital assets, run blockchain nodes, and use crypto wallets without fear of discrimination.

Originally introduced to the Kentucky House by Rep. Adam Bowling on Feb. 19, HB701 was passed unanimously in both chambers—91-0 in the House and 37-0 in the Senate—before landing on the governor’s desk. On March 24, the bill received Beshear’s signature, making Kentucky the latest state to reinforce crypto rights through legislation.

“The right to self-custody, run a node, and use of digital assets is now protected for millions of Americans without fear of discrimination,” said Satoshi Action Fund in a post on X after the bill was signed into law. 

HB701, in its original version, prohibited local governments from imposing discriminatory zoning regulations against digital asset mining operations. It also clarified that individuals running nodes or engaging in crypto staking and mining activities wouldn’t require a money transmitter license under Kentucky law. 

However, an amended version of the bill—House Committee Substitute 1—later removed direct references to mining activities and zoning restrictions, narrowing the focus to custody rights and node operation protections.

Still, the final legislation marks a substantial step toward crypto-friendly regulation. As detailed on the Kentucky Legislature’s official bill tracker, the act introduces new definitions within the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 369 and confirms that certain digital asset activities do not qualify as securities offerings or require transmission licenses.

Alongside Kentucky’s progress, similar legislation is advancing in other US states. According to Bitcoin Laws, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives passed its own Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill (HB 1203) by a 77-15 vote. This places Oklahoma among a growing cohort of states—including Texas, Arizona, and Utah—that have moved to recognize Bitcoin at a governmental level.