Indiana Lawmakers Push Bill to Make State a Bitcoin Leader

Indiana lawmakers are advancing House Bill 1042, which aims to position the state as a leader in digital assets by allowing public investment funds to gain indirect exposure to Bitcoin and other digital assets through regulated exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The bill specifically mandates that major state programs, including 529 plans and various retirement systems, offer at least one crypto ETF, and grants the state treasurer authority to invest in stablecoin ETFs. Beyond investments, HB 1042 establishes guardrails by prohibiting local governments from imposing restrictive rules on crypto use, mining, or self-custody, and protects private keys as privileged information. Furthermore, it creates a Blockchain and Digital Assets Task Force to study technology uses and recommend pilot projects. This move aligns with a national trend of states exploring crypto in public accounts, following Texas's recent purchase of a spot Bitcoin ETF.

(Source：Bitcoin Magazine)