New Hampshire Governor Signs HB 639 Blockchain Basic Laws Act, Establishes Dispute Docket

Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 639 into law, establishing the Blockchain Basic Laws Act which provides legal protections for self-custody rights and creates a specialized blockchain dispute docket within the state's superior court system. The legislation protects cryptocurrency users, developers, miners, validators, and businesses operating in the blockchain sector by offering greater legal certainty for digital asset activities.

Representative Keith Ammon, the bill's primary sponsor, stated the law recognizes individuals' fundamental right to maintain direct control over digital assets while establishing clear legal safeguards for blockchain entrepreneurs and developers. The measure builds on New Hampshire's 2025 Bitcoin reserve law, which authorized the state treasurer to allocate up to 5% of public funds to Bitcoin and precious metals.