Oklahoma House Bill 1203, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, Passed a Key Committee Vote

The bill now moves to the full House floor for final decision. If passed, it would allow Oklahoma to invest up to 10% of its public funds in Bitcoin

House Bill 1203, known as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, passed a key committee vote on February 25 with a strong showing of 12-2 in favor, rendering it one step closer to making Oklahoma the first U.S. state to add Bitcoin to its public funds.

The bill now heads to the full House floor for a final decision.

If passed, the state would be able to invest up to 10% of its public funds in Bitcoin and other large digital assets, which have a total value of over $500 billion. Currently, Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that meets this size requirement. The bill also allows investment in stablecoins.

"This bill is about protecting the hard-earned money of Oklahoma's citizens," said Representative Cody Maynard, who introduced the legislation in January.

"By diversifying our state's savings and pension funds into digital assets, we are not only securing a stronger financial future for our state but also showing Oklahoma's leadership in adopting new fiscal policies."

The legislation, which still faces an uncertain fate, would take effect on November 1 if it clears all remaining hurdles. It specifically targets money from the State General Fund, Revenue Stabilization Fund, and Constitutional Reserve Fund for potential investment in digital assets.

Maynard views Bitcoin as a way to combat the devaluation of money.

"Bitcoin represents freedom from bureaucrats printing away our purchasing power," he stated during the introduction of the bill.

Other States

Not all state governments are displaying enthusiasm for Bitcoin reserves. Out of five states that had been considering similar bills, two have already rejected them, while three others have effectively killed the proposals.

Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming had been working on bills that would allow their states to invest in Bitcoin, but these bills failed to pass.

"I have a big concern about putting taxpayer money at risk in an endeavor that’s new and largely untested," stated Montana Representative Steven Kelly during a session on February 24.

Meanwhile, state legislators in Pennsylvania and South Dakota tabled bills that would have authorized their respective states to invest in Bitcoin.

Industry experts also harbor concerns regarding large government Bitcoin purchases.

"If the likelihood of the Lummis SBR proposal approaches certainty, financial markets would collapse," warned Nic Carter, co-founder of Castle Island Ventures, referring to similar federal legislation.

Despite these worries, interest in state-level Bitcoin reserves seems to be heating up. According to Bitcoin맏날s.io, a total of 25 bills related to strategic Bitcoin reserves are currently being tabled in 18 state governments.

This legislative movement comes amid a broader trend of cryptocurrency gaining mainstream adoption. The 2025 Cryptocurrency Adoption and Consumer Sentiment Report by لونلي بيير indicates that 28% of American adults now own digital assets, nearly double the number from 2021.

Among crypto owners, Bitcoin remains the most popular choice, with 74% including BTC in their portfolios.

The outcome of Oklahoma's vote could influence how other states approach digital assets in their financial strategies. If successful, more states might consider adding Bitcoin to their reserves.