New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed HB 639 into law last week, introducing the Blockchain Basics Law to protect cryptocurrency innovation and user rights in the state. The legislation establishes legal protections for blockchain developers, miners, validators, and businesses while creating a special blockchain dispute docket in the superior court. This signing follows the state's 2025 passage of a strategic Bitcoin reserve law allowing up to 5% of public funds to be invested in Bitcoin alongside precious metals.
HB 639 Establishes Self-Custody Protections and Blockchain Dispute Docket
The Blockchain Basics Law provides protections for cryptocurrency innovation and use in New Hampshire. The bill allows for the creation of a special blockchain dispute docket in the superior court to handle related legal matters. The law protects the right of individuals to control their own digital assets through self-custody.
Representative Ammon Calls Law a Digital Economy Rights Protection
New Hampshire Representative Keith Ammon, the bill's primary sponsor, stated that Governor Ayotte's signature demonstrates the state's intent to lead the nation in blockchain innovation. Ammon said 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. He added that the law provides clear legal protections for blockchain developers, miners, validators, entrepreneurs, and businesses building the next generation of financial technology. Ammon stated that with the signing of HB 639, New Hampshire has enacted one of the most comprehensive blockchain rights laws in the country.
New Hampshire Passed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in 2025
The state's latest blockchain legislation follows its passing of a strategic Bitcoin reserve last year. The bill, signed by Ayotte in May 2025, allows the state's treasurer to invest up to 5% of its public funds in Bitcoin alongside precious metals like gold and silver. Ammon, who played a key role in that bill's passage, told Decrypt at the time it was one little way the state could hedge against inflation in the future. Last year, New Hampshire became the first state in the nation to introduce a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
Executive Council Blocks Bitcoin-Backed Municipal Bond Proposal
Despite the state's blockchain advances, New Hampshire's executive council last week rejected a proposal that would have allowed the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority to facilitate a Bitcoin-backed municipal bond. The council blocked the allowance of the first Bitcoin-backed municipal bond.
FAQ
What did New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte sign last week?
Governor Kelly Ayotte signed HB 639 into law last week, known as the Blockchain Basics Law. The legislation provides protections for cryptocurrency innovation and use in the state while allowing for the creation of a special blockchain dispute docket in the superior court.
Why did New Hampshire pass a Bitcoin reserve law in 2025?
New Hampshire passed a strategic Bitcoin reserve law in May 2025 to allow the state's treasurer to invest up to 5% of public funds in Bitcoin alongside precious metals like gold and silver. Representative Keith Ammon stated at the time it was one little way the state could hedge against inflation in the future.
