Ohio Advances ‘Blockchain Basics Act’, Paving Way for Crypto User Rights

Ohio is on the verge of enacting one of the most progressive crypto protection laws in the country, as the state’s House of Representatives decisively passed the “Blockchain Basics Act.” If signed into law, the bill stands to shield digital asset users, miners, and self-custody wallets from restrictive state and local interference, pushing Ohio into the national spotlight on blockchain policy.

Ohio House Moves to Safeguard Crypto Activities

In a significant step for crypto legislation, the Ohio House of Representatives approved House Bill 116, known as the Blockchain Basics Act, by a vote of 68-26 this week. The bill would bar state and local authorities from limiting the use of cryptocurrencies for payments and from interfering with individuals’ ability to utilize hardware or self-hosted crypto wallets. The legislation also clarifies zoning and operational rules for individuals and businesses engaging in digital asset mining, establishing the right to mine at home (in compliance with local ordinances) and to operate commercial mining firms in industrial districts if current standards are met.

Pro-Blockchain Provisions Aim to Fuel Innovation

The act introduces notable protections for the blockchain and crypto sector. It blocks local governments from imposing abrupt rezoning actions against mining operations without proper notification and public input, empowering these businesses with a right of appeal against unfair treatment. Individual participants involved in mining, staking, asset trading, or running blockchain nodes would also gain explicit exemptions from stringent money transmission, investment, and securities laws—simplifying compliance for Ohio’s crypto enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.

Key Stats & Figures

• House Vote: Passed 68-26 in the Ohio House of Representatives
• Capital Gains Exemption: Up to $200 for every crypto transaction, easing small-scale user taxes
• Legislation Status: House Bill 116 now advances to the Ohio Senate for deliberation
• Scope of Bill: Includes protections for digital asset payments, self-custody wallets, and mining operations

Ohio’s Crypto Push Follows National and State Trends

The momentum in Columbus mirrors the nationwide acceleration in digital asset regulation. The House passage of the Blockchain Basics Act comes on the heels of the federal GENIUS Act’s approval in the U.S. Senate, representing major progress on stablecoin rules. Ohio’s move follows Kentucky’s earlier passage of wallet self-custody rights and reflects growing interest in crypto rights in other states, such as Arizona, Florida, California, Texas, and Wyoming. Advocacy groups like the Satoshi Action Fund have lauded the bill as evidence that legislators are increasingly willing to foster innovation and defend user freedoms.

Conclusion: What This Means for the Market

With the Blockchain Basics Act advancing through Ohio’s legislature, the state stands poised to become a leader in accommodating emerging blockchain technologies and securing crypto user rights. If the bill is enacted, Ohio could set a precedent for balancing regulatory clarity with pro-innovation policies, encouraging further adoption and investment in the crypto sector both regionally and nationwide.

Ohio’s ‘Blockchain Basics Act’ signals a pivotal shift in how state governments interact with blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. Strong protections for users, miners, and wallet holders highlight Ohio’s emergence as a regulatory trendsetter within the growing digital asset economy.