Ohio Pioneers Crypto Payments, Leading National Digital Shift

The Ohio State Board of Deposit has finalized a contract with a vendor to process cryptocurrency payments for state services, marking a significant step in the state’s integration of digital assets into public finance. The approval, announced on September 24, 2025, follows months of advocacy by Secretary of State Frank LaRose and State Treasurer Robert Sprague, who initially proposed the initiative in April 2025. The board’s unanimous decision clears the way for residents to pay state fees and services using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. LaRose emphasized that the move aligns with Ohio’s broader economic strategy, stating, “We are not afraid to embrace new tools and technologies that encourage investment and growth”.

The process to enable crypto payments began in April, with the board approving the proposal in May but deferring final vendor selection until later in the year. LaRose noted that his office processes over 450,000 transactions annually, including business registrations and campaign finance filings, and that demand for cryptocurrency options has grown significantly among users. The vendor approval now allows for immediate implementation, making Ohio the first state to offer such a service. Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal hailed the development, stating, “Government payments in Ohio today. Everything on-chain tomorrow”.

This initiative is part of a larger legislative push by Ohio to position itself as a leader in digital asset policy. In June 2025, the state House passed the Ohio Blockchain Basics Act, which prohibits local governments from restricting the use of digital assets and exempts crypto transactions under $200 from capital gains tax reporting. The law aims to reduce regulatory barriers for small users while fostering innovation. LaRose has also championed House Bill 18, which would establish an Ohio Strategic Crypto Reserve. The reserve would be funded by a portion of the state’s investment earnings and could include holdings in digital assets with a market cap exceeding $750 billion.

Nationally, Ohio’s move reflects a growing trend of states exploring cryptocurrency integration. According to the Bitcoin Laws tracker, 47 states have introduced Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) proposals, with 26 currently under active consideration. Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire have advanced their measures furthest, while most others remain in committee. Michigan recently revived its stalled SBR legislation, with House Bill 4087 moving to the Government Operations Committee after seven months of inaction. Ohio’s efforts align with broader federal initiatives, including President Donald Trump’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which seeks to position the U.S. as the global leader in crypto innovation.

The approval of crypto payments has drawn attention from industry stakeholders, with advocates highlighting its potential to streamline government services and attract tech-driven businesses. Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund, described the Blockchain Basics Act as a “clear signal” that Ohio lawmakers are “encouraging innovation”. Critics, however, caution that the state’s rapid adoption of crypto policies could expose it to market volatility and regulatory uncertainties. Despite these concerns, Ohio’s actions underscore a shift toward embracing digital assets as a legitimate financial tool, both for public and private sectors.

Source: [1] Ohio Approves Bitcoin Payments for State Services (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/09/25/ohio-approves-bitcoin-payments-for-state-services/) [2] Ohio Moves to Accept Crypto Payments for State Fees (https://decrypt.co/341246/ohio-moves-to-accept-crypto-payments-for-state-fees) [3] Ohio pushes forward on crypto payments for state fees (https://www.cryptopolitan.com/ohio-crypto-payments-sate-fees/) [4] Ohio Approves Crypto Payments for State Services - Phemex (https://phemex.com/news/article/ohio-approves-crypto-payments-for-state-services-21184) [5] Ohio approves cryptocurrency payments for state government fees (https://www.odaily.news/en/newsflash/449889) [6] Ohio Approves Crypto Payment Processor for State Fees, … (https://cryptonews.com/news/ohio-approves-crypto-payment-processor-for-state-fees-embraces-digital-economy/) [7] House Bill 18 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio House of … (https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb18) [8] OH HB18 | BillTrack50 (https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1802634) [9] Secretary LaRose Applauds Progress Toward State Acceptance of ... (https://www.ohiosos.gov/media-center/press-releases/2025/2025-09-24/)