### On Thursday, February 23rd, the Montana State Senate voted 37-13 in support of a new bill that aims to protect people's rights to mine Bitcoin. The bill also prohibits utility rate increases for miners and new taxes on bitcoin transactions.

The bill was drafted with the assistance of the Satoshi Action Fund, a non-profit lobbying organization that informs and educates parliamentarians about Bitcoin. The bill restricts the authority of regional administrations to take action against Bitcoin miners. This measure is critical because over the past few months, pressure on bitcoin miners has intensified across the board. The energy needs of mining operations have come under fire from both government and non-government organizations, with a report from last July claiming that cryptocurrency miners in the US use as much electricity as the city of Houston.



The bill's passage is also significant in light of the difficulties that even the largest bitcoin miners have experienced. The crypto winter and resulting rise in inflation-related costs have been challenging for all miners. By enacting a law that protects bitcoin miners' rights, Montana is signaling that it recognizes the importance of the industry and its potential to drive innovation and economic growth.



The bill's provisions are particularly beneficial for miners who rely on affordable energy sources, such as hydropower. With the bill's prohibition of utility rate increases, Montana is signaling that it recognizes the value of the industry and the importance of affordable energy sources for its growth.



On balance, the new enacted bill is a significant win for the cryptocurrency industry. It sets an example for other states seeking to regulate the industry and offers much-needed protection to bitcoin miners. Montana is demonstrating that it recognizes the importance of cryptocurrency as a potential driver of economic growth and innovation.



The official document of the passed legislation is accessible [here](https://leg.mt.gov/bills/2023/billpdf/SB0178.pdf).


 

 

On Thursday, February 23rd, the Montana State Senate voted 37-13 in support of a new bill that aims to protect people's rights to mine Bitcoin. The bill also prohibits utility rate increases for miners and new taxes on bitcoin transactions.

Tue Feb 28 2023

Montana Protects Bitcoin: A Win for Cryptocurrency Mining Rights

Ferrari to Accept Crypto Payments in the US; Plans to Include Europe Underway

Prototype Global Cryptoasset Mapping System Developed

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sent to Jail for Alleged Witness Tampering

Huobi Rocked by Reports of Executive Arrests and Accusations of Customer Fund Misuse

Breaking The Chains: Introducing BRC-69, The Bitcoin Standard Without Data Restrictions

Prototype Global Cryptoasset Mapping System Developed

Tue Feb 28 2023 Montana Protects Bitcoin: A Win for Cryptocurrency Mining Rights

Ferrari to Accept Crypto Payments in the US; Plans to Include Europe Underway

Prototype Global Cryptoasset Mapping System Developed

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sent to Jail for Alleged Witness Tampering

Huobi Rocked by Reports of Executive Arrests and Accusations of Customer Fund Misuse

Breaking The Chains: Introducing BRC-69, The Bitcoin Standard Without Data Restrictions

Prototype Global Cryptoasset Mapping System Developed

Tue Feb 28 2023

Montana Protects Bitcoin: A Win for Cryptocurrency Mining Rights