Kentucky Senate Unanimously Passes Bitcoin Self-Custody Rights Bill

Yesterday evening, the Kentucky Senate unanimously passed a bill aimed at protecting Bitcoin self-custody rights and digital asset mining operations.

Yesterday evening, the Kentucky Senate unanimously passed a bill aimed at protecting Bitcoin self-custody rights and digital asset mining operations.

The bill, which was sponsored by Representatives Adam Bowling and T.J. Roberts, passed through the Senate with a vote of 37-0-1. It now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

The legislation, titled AN ACT relating to blockchain digital assets (HB 701), is designed to safeguard the ability of individuals to self-custody their digital assets and ensure that Bitcoin miners can operate freely within the state.

It also prevents local zoning laws from discriminating against digital asset mining businesses, a measure that could have a significant impact on the industry in Kentucky.

The bill includes several key provisions, such as:

The bill's swift passage through the House and Senate, and the lack of any opposition, highlights the growing bipartisan support for Bitcoin and digital assets in the U.S.

After passing through the Kentucky House with a vote of 91-0 on February 28, 2025, the bill quickly moved to the Senate. On March 13, the Senate completed the final vote on HB 701, showing full bipartisan support with 37 senators voting yes, 0 voting no, and 1 abstaining.

The legislation will now go to the Governor for his signature, which will officially integrate Bitcoin self-custody protections and digital asset mining rights into Kentucky law.

If the Governor signs the bill, Kentucky will become one of the more Bitcoin-friendly states in the country, setting a precedent for other states to follow.