## New Hampshire Bitcoin Bill Passes Through House Committee in a Landslide
On March 5, 2025, the New Hampshire House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee overwhelmingly approved a bill that could pave the way for the state to establish a Bitcoin reserve. The bill, known as House Bill 302, passed with a significant margin of 16-1, setting it up for a full House floor vote.
Key Provisions of the Bill
– Investment Allocation: If enacted, the bill would grant New Hampshire’s treasurer the discretion to allocate up to 5% of funds from the general fund, revenue stabilization fund, or other legislatively authorized reserves into eligible assets. Initially, the proposal suggested a 10% allocation limit, but lawmakers reduced it to 5% before advancing the measure[1][2].
– Eligible Assets: The bill does not explicitly mention Bitcoin, but it restricts investments to digital assets with an average market capitalization of at least $500 billion over the past year. Currently, Bitcoin is the only digital asset that meets this criterion[1][2].
– Security Requirements: Any digital asset holdings must be secured by a qualified custodian or structured as an exchange-traded product. This ensures that investments are made securely and in a regulated manner[1][2].
– Precious Metals: The bill also authorizes investments in precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, providing a diversified investment strategy for the state’s reserves[1][2].
Background and Sponsorship
House Bill 302 was introduced by Republican Representative Keith Ammon on January 10, 2025, with Democratic lawmakers Chris McAleer and Carry Spier joining as co-sponsors. During the committee session, Ammon noted that the bill had been amended to exclude stablecoins and staking options, reflecting a cautious approach to cryptocurrency investments[1][2].
Interest from State Officials
New Hampshire’s Treasurer, Monica Mezzapelle, has expressed interest in utilizing the investment framework outlined in the bill if it becomes law. This indicates that there is support from key state officials for exploring cryptocurrency as part of the state’s financial strategy[1][2].
National and International Context
New Hampshire joins several other U.S. states, including North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas, in advancing Bitcoin-related legislation. Utah and Arizona have already cleared similar bills past the House stage. These state-level initiatives occur amidst broader national discussions on cryptocurrency policy, including a recent proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump for a Crypto Strategic Reserve[1][2].
Internationally, countries like El Salvador continue to expand their Bitcoin holdings, while others, such as Switzerland, have expressed skepticism about including Bitcoin in their reserve assets due to concerns over volatility and security[1].
Conclusion
The passage of House Bill 302 through the New Hampshire House committee marks a significant step towards integrating cryptocurrency into state finances. As the bill moves to the full House floor for a vote, it reflects a growing interest in exploring digital assets as part of state reserve strategies across the United States.
Related sources:
[1] cryptonews.com
[3] www.advfn.com
[4] cedirates.com
[5] coinstats.app