Indiana Lawmaker Pushes for Bitcoin in Pensions, Crypto Payment Protections

In brief An Indiana lawmaker proposed a bill that centers on cryptocurrency. State-managed retirement funds would be required to offer exposure. The government wouldn’t be able to infringe on crypto’s use in payments. Decrypt’s Art, Fashion, and Entertainment Hub. Discover SCENE A lawmaker in Indiana introduced legislation on Thursday that would broaden access to digital asset exposure for savers in the Midwestern state, while also preventing local governments from establishing rules that could limit cryptocurrencies’ use. The initiative, proposed by Rep. Kyle Pierce (R), would require retirement and savings programs used by public servants to make exchange-traded funds offering cryptocurrency exposure available as investment options, according to a description of “House Bill 2014.” What’s more, the legislation would restrict the ability of local governments to adopt rules that “unreasonably” curtail the use of digital assets in payments, cryptocurrency mining, or the ability for individuals to safeguards digital assets on their own.  The bill was brought before Indiana’s House Financial Institutions Committee. Amid redistricting discussions, the 2026 Indiana Legislative Session began on Monday, rather than in January. Pierce, who was elected to the Indiana General Assembly in 2022, said in a statement that Indiana state “should be ready to engage in a smart, responsible way,” and his bill “gives Hoosiers more investment choices while establishing guardrails.” The version of the bill introduced on Thursday includes language requiring the state to evaluate how cryptocurrencies could be used by the government, while leaving room for pilot programs. Although the legislation would prevent local governments from kicking cryptocurrency miners out of areas zoned for industrial use, it would also protect “private digital asset mining in a private residence located in an area that is zoned for residential use.” The initiative is distinct from bills in other states that allow governments to make allocations to digital assets on their own behalf, such as a bill that passed in New Hampshire. Other crypto-related bills have sought to tax transactions to fund public health measures. This year, state lawmakers have proposed various bills echoing elements of a strategic reserve for Bitcoin that U.S. President Donald Trump established in March. Aside from New Hampshire, Texas and Arizona were among the few states to adopt the measures. Daily Debrief Newsletter Start every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more. Your Email Get it! Get it!