Skip to content

Arizona senator pushes bill to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender in the state

Arizona senator introduces bill to make Bitcoin legal tender in the state
Paul L.

Arizona state Senator Wendy Rogers has reintroduced a set of bills aimed at making Bitcoin (BTC) legal tender and allowing state agencies to accept the digital currency as a form of payment. 

If passed, the bill introduced on January 25 would make Arizona the first state in the United States to recognize Bitcoin as a legal form of currency officially. The bill has been co-sponsored by other Republican Party leaders from Arizona. 

In announcing the bill’s launch, the lawmaker cited a recent report by banking giant Goldman Sachs indicating that Bitcoin is the best-performing asset in 2023.

Uncertainty on passing the bill

However, the bill’s passage remains to be determined, as the United States Constitution does not allow individual states to create their own legal tender. Interestingly, the bill’s contents referenced Bitcoin’s ability to operate independently from central bank interference. 

The bill defines Bitcoin as “the decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency in which a record of transactions is maintained on the Bitcoin blockchain, and new units of currency are generated by the computational solution of mathematical problems, and that operates independently of a central bank.” 

If the bill is recognized as law, it will allow state agencies to enter into agreements with cryptocurrency issuers to accept Bitcoin as a payment method for taxes, fines, fees, and other financial obligations.

This is the second time that Senator Rogers has attempted to introduce such legislation in the state, with the first attempt having been made in January 2022, although it did not pass the second reading. 

The reintroduction of these bills highlights lawmakers’ growing interest in cryptocurrencies and comes at a time when there is renewed debate on the sector’s regulations. Notably, the U.S. Congress has several pending bills meant to regulate crypto.

Best Crypto Exchange for Intermediate Traders and Investors

  • Invest in 70+ cryptocurrencies and 3,000+ other assets including stocks and precious metals.

  • 0% commission on stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

  • Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.

  • eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.

30+ million Users
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs, only real Crypto assets available. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Read Next:

Weekly Finance Digest

By subscribing you agree with Finbold T&C’s & Privacy Policy

Related posts