New Hampshire has strengthened its position as a crypto-friendly state after Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the Blockchain Basics Law last week. This new legislation is designed to provide legal protections for blockchain technology, cryptocurrency innovation, and users within the state.
Blockchain Basics Law Signed by Governor Ayotte
The Blockchain Basics Law, formally known as HB 639, introduces a framework that safeguards the rights of individuals and businesses operating in the digital asset sector. In addition to strengthening self-custody protections for digital asset holders, the legislation establishes a special blockchain dispute docket within New Hampshire’s superior court system.
New Hampshire Representative Keith Ammon, the primary sponsor of HB 639, stated that the law places the state at the forefront of blockchain innovation. He emphasized the significance of self-custody, affirming that individuals now have explicit legal rights to control their digital assets.
With Governor Ayotte’s signature on HB 639, New Hampshire has once again demonstrated that it intends to lead the nation in blockchain innovation. The Blockchain Basic Laws protect one of the most fundamental rights in the digital economy—the right of individuals to control their own digital assets through self-custody. They also provide clear legal protections for blockchain developers, miners, validators, entrepreneurs, and businesses building the next generation of financial technology.
The legislation aims to attract blockchain developers and business founders to New Hampshire by removing legal uncertainty and establishing a secure environment for new projects. Ammon further commented that the state is now more welcoming to businesses and innovators in the blockchain industry.
Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Municipal Bond Rejection
New Hampshire built upon its pro-crypto initiatives after introducing a strategic Bitcoin reserve policy last year. This measure allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of public funds in Bitcoin, as well as in precious metals such as gold and silver. The move positioned New Hampshire as the first state in the US to formally include Bitcoin in its reserve assets.
Ammon characterized the policy as a means to hedge against inflation and diversify state treasury funds. The law granting this authority was signed in May 2025, further establishing the state’s innovative approach to digital assets.
Despite advancing several crypto-friendly policies, New Hampshire’s executive council recently rejected a proposal to issue the state’s first Bitcoin-backed municipal bond. The proposal, led by the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, aimed to offer a new investment vehicle tied directly to the price of Bitcoin. The decision highlights ongoing caution among policymakers regarding novel crypto-based public financing instruments.
| Policy | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blockchain Basics Law | Enacted | Legal protections for blockchain users, developers, and a new court docket |
| Strategic Bitcoin Reserve | Active | Allows up to 5% of public funds to be invested in Bitcoin and precious metals |
| Bitcoin-backed Municipal Bond | Rejected | Proposal to create a municipal bond tied to Bitcoin’s value; blocked by executive council |
Strategy Company Maintains Cash Position
Meanwhile, Strategy, a digital asset company known for its aggressive Bitcoin acquisition program, did not purchase any Bitcoin for the third consecutive week. Instead, the firm focused on increasing its cash on hand, raising $467 million through stock issuance and bringing its USD reserves to $3 billion.
Strategy’s stock opened down 4%, trading at approximately $90.80 per share. Despite the pause in Bitcoin purchases, the company has not indicated any shift in its long-term digital asset strategy.
The move to pause Bitcoin acquisitions comes at a time when the market is closely watching institutional buying trends in the crypto sector. Strategy continues to play a notable role among companies publicly holding large amounts of Bitcoin.
New Hampshire’s latest actions illustrate the state’s ongoing efforts to create a leading regulatory environment for blockchain and digital assets, despite some resistance to certain initiatives.
