Ohio’s legislature has advanced a significant update to its state investment policies by adopting measures that expand the scope of its cryptocurrency reserve fund to allow traditional investments alongside digital assets such as Bitcoin. This legislative move follows the introduction and progress of Senate Bill 57 and House Bill 18 during the 136th General Assembly session in 2025, both aimed at structuring Ohio’s strategic approach to digital asset investments.
The Ohio Bitcoin Reserve Act (Senate Bill 57) initially provided the framework for authorizing state funds to be invested exclusively in Bitcoin. Under this act, the state treasurer was empowered to invest state funds in Bitcoin with an expectation to hold these investments for a minimum of five years, thereby positioning Ohio among the pioneering states in cryptocurrency-backed public fund management.
However, recognizing the evolving landscape of financial instruments and the need for diversification, the Ohio Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve Act (House Bill 18) was introduced to broaden investment options. This bill allows the State Treasurer to invest certain interim funds not only in digital assets but also in exchange-traded products, effectively integrating more traditional investment vehicles into the state’s portfolio strategy. This move aims to balance high-volatility crypto assets with more stable and liquid investments, enhancing the overall risk management of public funds.
The expansion to include traditional investments reflects a pragmatic approach by Ohio legislators to harness the innovative potential of cryptocurrencies while maintaining fiscal responsibility through diversified portfolio management. This legislative framework mandates various state entities to accept cryptocurrency payments, signaling Ohio’s commitment to integrating digital currencies into its financial ecosystem.
Both bills required amendments to various sections of the Ohio Revised Code—specifically sections 9.16, 113.40, 135.146, and others—to codify these investment authorizations and operational mandates. As of the latest legislative updates, these measures have successfully passed both the Ohio House and Senate committees, moving forward towards final enactment.
This strategic legislative development positions Ohio as a forward-thinking state in public sector finance, seeking to leverage the benefits of emerging digital asset technologies while mitigating risks via traditional financial instruments. The legislation also reflects growing state-level interest in cryptocurrency regulation and public fund investment, a trend visible across multiple U.S. states in 2025.
Experts suggest that Ohio’s approach could serve as a model for other states looking to invest public funds prudently amid the rising prominence of blockchain technologies and digital currencies. By combining innovative asset classes with time-tested investment products, the Ohio Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve Act aims to optimize returns for taxpayers while ensuring a robust and flexible management framework.
The full texts of Senate Bill 57 and House Bill 18, as well as their progress through the Ohio General Assembly, are publicly available through the Ohio Legislature’s official website, providing transparency and detailed legislative context for this landmark policy shift.