According to Decrypt’s report on July 14, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed HB 639 (the “Blockchain Bill of Rights”), making New Hampshire one of the most crypto-friendly states in the U.S.; the bill provides legal protection for crypto users, miners, validators, and developers in the state, and allows for the establishment of a dedicated blockchain disputes docket in the superior court.
Core Provisions of the “Blockchain Bill of Rights”
(Source: New Hampshire government website)
Under the HB 639 bill, the following are the main protection areas:
Self-Custody Protections: Clearly safeguards individuals’ fundamental right to control digital assets through self-custody
Miners and Validators: Provides clear legal protection for Bitcoin miners and blockchain validators
Developers and Businesses: Offers a clear legal framework for blockchain developers, entrepreneurs, and fintech companies
Dispute Resolution: Allows for a dedicated blockchain disputes docket in superior court, providing a judicial mechanism for handling blockchain-related disputes
New Hampshire’s May 2025 Passage of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill
According to reports, New Hampshire has already achieved multiple milestones in cryptocurrency legislation: in May 2025, Governor Ayotte signed a Bitcoin strategic reserve bill allowing the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of public funds in Bitcoin, gold, and other precious metals such as silver.
At the time, the chief sponsor Keith Ammon said this was “a small way our state can prepare for inflation going forward,” making New Hampshire the first state in the U.S. to introduce a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Since then, the signing of HB 639 has been a continuation of the state’s crypto-friendly legislative push.
State Administrative Committee Voted Down a Bitcoin-Backed Municipal Bond Proposal Last Week
According to reports, despite New Hampshire’s continued progress on crypto legislation, the state administrative committee still voted down a proposal last week by a 3 to 2 margin; the proposal would have allowed the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority to issue Bitcoin-backed municipal bonds. This was the committee’s second rejection of Bitcoin-related legislative actions in recent weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main protection areas of New Hampshire’s “Blockchain Bill of Rights” HB 639?
According to reports, HB 639 provides legal protection for crypto users, miners, validators, and developers, including clearly safeguarding individuals’ fundamental right to control digital assets through self-custody, as well as providing a clear legal framework for blockchain developers, entrepreneurs, and fintech companies; it also allows for the establishment of a dedicated blockchain disputes docket in superior court.
What milestones has New Hampshire achieved in its cryptocurrency policy?
According to reports, New Hampshire’s crypto legislative milestones include: the passage of the Bitcoin strategic reserve bill in May 2025 (allowing up to 5% of public funds to be invested in Bitcoin, etc.); the signing of the “Blockchain Bill of Rights” HB 639 in July 2025; and the committee’s veto of the Bitcoin-backed municipal bond proposal last week.
Who is the main sponsor of the HB 639 bill?
According to reports, the main sponsor of HB 639 is New Hampshire state representative Keith Ammon, who said in a statement that HB 639 is “one of the most comprehensive blockchain bills of rights in the U.S.,” adding that the law protects individuals’ fundamental right to control digital assets through self-custody.
