In a significant move for the cryptocurrency landscape in Indiana, a lawmaker has introduced a bill that aims to enhance access to digital assets for residents while imposing restrictions on local governments’ authority to regulate their use. Presented by Rep. Kyle Pierce (R), the bill, known as House Bill 2014, mandates that state-managed retirement and savings programs for public employees include investment options featuring exchange-traded funds that provide exposure to cryptocurrencies.
The proposed legislation seeks to create a more accommodating environment for cryptocurrency investments, with Pierce emphasizing the need for Indiana to engage with digital assets responsibly. He believes that by offering a range of investment choices, the bill will empower residents and establish necessary parameters for the growing industry.
In addition to expanding investment options, the bill includes provisions that restrict local governments from implementing regulations deemed “unreasonable” concerning cryptocurrency payments, mining, and the self-custody of digital assets. This aspect aims to protect the rights of individuals and ensure that local ordinances do not hinder the use of cryptocurrencies in various capacities.
The legislation was recently presented to Indiana’s House Financial Institutions Committee and is part of a broader discussion that has emerged in the context of the 2026 Indiana Legislative Session, which commenced earlier than usual this year.
Among the notable features of the bill is a requirement for the state to assess future uses of cryptocurrencies within government operations, with the possibility of pilot programs being introduced. By allowing continued cryptocurrency mining in areas zoned for industrial use, the bill aims to foster a more favorable environment for miners. It also offers protections for residential mining activities, ensuring that individuals can pursue these ventures within their homes without undue interference.
This initiative sets itself apart from similar legislation in other states, such as New Hampshire, where governments can make allocations to digital assets. Other jurisdictions have considered measures to impose taxes on cryptocurrency transactions for public funding, illustrating the varying approaches among states.
As cryptocurrency continues to evolve, Indiana’s proactive stance may reflect a growing trend among states to embrace digital assets, which have been largely promoted by the recent public interest in decentralized finance and the changing landscape of investment opportunities.
