Michigan Introduces Bill to Allow State Employees to Be Paid in Bitcoin

Michigan State Representative Matt Maddock has introduced a bill that would permit classified state civil service employees to receive their wages in Bitcoin or other qualifying digital assets, potentially making Michigan a leader in digital asset adoption for state payrolls. The proposal seeks to amend the Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act to allow salaried state employees, starting January 1, 2027, to choose between U.S. currency (in person or direct deposit) or payment in a digital currency of their choice. The state would be required to offer at least six digital currency options, with Bitcoin being mandatory. Crucially, the legislation prohibits the state from offering any state-controlled Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This wage proposal is part of a larger package of pro-Bitcoin legislation in Lansing, including measures concerning digital asset ownership rights, pension fund investment frameworks, and incentives for Bitcoin mining operations powered by abandoned wells. While the bill sets parameters for digital asset offerings, implementation details regarding conversion, custody, and volatility management would be left to administrative agencies like the Department of Treasury.

(Source：Bitcoin Magazine)