news 
California strengthens Bitcoin rights with new bill
March 31, 2025 – California has taken a significant step in strengthening the rights of Bitcoin and crypto investors by amending a bill aimed at securing self-custody of digital assets for its nearly 40 million residents. The revised bill, now known as “Digital Assets,” could potentially serve as a blueprint for other U.S. states.
The amended bill guarantees Californians the right to self-custody their digital assets without fear of discrimination. Furthermore, it recognizes the use of digital financial assets as a valid and legal form of payment in private transactions. Public entities may not restrict or tax digital assets solely based on their use as a means of payment.
Another critical aspect of the bill is the expansion of the Political Reform Act of 1974, which prohibits public officials from issuing, sponsoring, or promoting digital assets, securities, or commodities. “A public official shall not engage in any transaction or action involving a digital asset that creates a conflict of interest with their public duties,” states one section of AB 1052.
The bill is currently undergoing the “desk process” before its first reading. Interestingly, data from BTC Maps reveals that 99 merchants in California already accept Bitcoin payments. The state is home to some significant crypto companies, including Ripple Labs, Solana Labs, and Kraken.
It’s worth noting that this development comes amidst other recent advancements in the space. A separate stablecoin-related bill was introduced in California on February 2, which aims to provide clarity on stablecoin collateral requirements, liquidation processes, redemption and settlement mechanisms, and security audits.
At the state level, nearly 100 Bitcoin-related bills or measures have been introduced in the U.S., demonstrating a growing interest in the digital asset space. The Texas Senate recently passed a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill by a vote of 25-5 on March 6, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed a Bitcoin Rights Act into law on March 24.
In another significant move, earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Fund, both initially filled with cryptocurrencies seized in criminal cases.
The amended bill has sparked excitement within the crypto community, with Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund, emphasizing the significance of this development: “If Bitcoin rights are passed here, it will have far-reaching implications.”
Source: https://thebitcoinnews.com/california-strengthens-bitcoin-rights-with-new-bill/
