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Illinois Proposes Bitcoin Reserve Fund

Coin WorldThursday, Jan 30, 2025 5:58 pm ET
1min read

Illinois To Explore Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Fund

Illinois has proposed a bill to explore the possibility of creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve fund. The bill, House Bill 1844 (HB1844), aims to create a framework for holding Bitcoin reserves in the state treasury. This initiative is part of a growing trend among U.S. states to explore crypto assets as part of their financial strategies.

HB1844 would allow the Illinois State Treasurer to manage the fund, with strict guidelines for Bitcoin storage and handling. Bitcoin deposited into the fund would be held for at least five years before any transfers, sales, or conversions could occur. This long-term approach ensures that the state exercises caution when dealing with volatile crypto assets, reinforcing the fund’s stability.

The bill would also allow Illinois residents and governmental entities to donate Bitcoin to the fund, making Illinois one of the first states to explore voluntary Bitcoin contributions. This structure aims to add an innovative dimension to the state’s public finance strategy.

HB1844 mandates that all Bitcoin in the fund be stored in cold storage to ensure the safe management of Bitcoin assets. Regular audits and biennial reports will be required, providing transparency into the fund’s performance and any security risks encountered. The State Treasurer will also be empowered to establish necessary rules and protocols to manage the fund, including secure storage, transaction protocols, and reporting standards. This level of oversight will ensure that Illinois can confidently navigate the complexities of handling digital assets.

Illinois is not the only state that has considered Bitcoin reserves. A surge of proposals from various states has accelerated recently, particularly after President Donald Trump returned to the White House. In just January alone, at least six states, including Arizona, Texas, Newsphire, and North Dakota, introduced or advanced similar bills. The growing interest reflects a shift toward digital assets as a potential cornerstone of state-level financial planning.

Illinois’ proposal comes when international conversations about Bitcoin as a national financial asset are intensifying. Czech National Bank Governor Aleš Michl recently announced plans to propose adding up to $7 billion worth of Bitcoin to the country’s national reserves. Wyoming introduced a bill, State Funds Investment in Bitcoin, to explore the possibility of investing in Bitcoin. U.S. politicians like Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis are urging swift action in response, emphasizing that the U.S. must act decisively to establish a Strategic

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