Tag: state policy

TDC’s State Network: Lawmakers, Industry Leaders Convene for New York State Blockchain Day

by Megan Thorpe

Washington, DC (May 27, 2026) — Industry leaders, technology advocates, and policymakers will gather today at the Legislative Office Building for New York State Blockchain Day. The education event will focus on the growing role of blockchain technology in government modernization, economic development, consumer protection, and energy innovation.

Hosted by the BSV Association, The Digital Chamber’s State Network, and the NYS Blockchain Council, the event will demonstrate to lawmakers about blockchain technology and emerging digital asset applications from industry experts that could strengthen New York’s economy and modernize public services.

Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director for The Digital Chamber State Network, said, “Lawmakers will see firsthand how blockchain technology can reduce administrative costs, eliminate duplicative processes, and bring real transparency to how government serves its constituents. New York’s reputation as a global finance leader will be bolstered by the innovations on display today. The Digital Chamber’s State Network is proud to stand with our partners to ensure policymakers have the tools and knowledge to build a policy environment where that innovation can take root.”

New York State Blockchain Day underscored the importance of connecting policymakers, industry experts, and community stakeholders as the state evaluates how blockchain technology can responsibly support economic growth, government efficiency, and consumer trust.

Today’s interactive demonstrations and discussions with blockchain industry leaders show how blockchain technology can:

  • Enhance transparency and accountability in government
  • Improve cybersecurity and reduce fraud
  • Modernize public infrastructure and digital services
  • Drive economic growth and job creation
  • Strengthen energy market resilience and sustainability initiatives

Organizers are also discussing the benefits of pending legislative proposals in the New York State Legislature, including legislation to modernize public sector recordkeeping and health information systems through blockchain-enabled infrastructure. Additionally, advocates will address proposals that could slow innovation, investment, and technological development in the state, including legislation impacting digital asset mining operations, data center regulation, and emerging blockchain-based financial platforms.

Through a supportive innovation ecosystem that enables blockchain businesses and digital infrastructure companies, companies can grow jobs and scale in New York, while maintaining strong consumer protections and transparency standards.

About New York State Blockchain Day

New York State Blockchain Day is an educational advocacy initiative organized by the BSV Association, the Digital Chamber State Network, and the NYS Blockchain Council to raise awareness among policymakers about blockchain technology and its applications across government, finance, healthcare, energy, and public infrastructure.

ABOUT THE DIGITAL CHAMBER’S STATE NETWORK  

The Digital Chamber’s State Network, a project of The Digital Chamber, is a non-partisan program that establishes a collaborative ecosystem connecting policymakers, regulators, industry, and innovators to advance blockchain adoption and digital asset integration across the United States.  
  
ABOUT THE DIGITAL CHAMBER  

The Digital Chamber is a non-profit organization committed to promoting global blockchain adoption. We envision a fair and inclusive digital and financial ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to participate. Access to digital assets is not merely a technological advancement but a fundamental human right, crucial for economic and social empowerment. Through targeted education, advocacy, and strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders, we drive innovation and shape policies that create a favorable environment for the blockchain technology ecosystem.   

The Digital Chamber’s umbrella includes: CryptoUK, Digital Power Network (DPN), TDC’s Digital State Network, and Treasury Council.  

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For media inquiries, contact press@digitalchamber.org   

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Arizona Sets the Standard: Digital Asset Reserves Next Act

by Megan Thorpe

By Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director, Digital Chamber State Network

 The states that move early and with intention will attract capital, talent, and infrastructure that underpins the next generation of financial systems. 

Arizona has advanced one of the most comprehensive state-level digital asset reserve frameworks in the country. The legislature recently passed SB 1649 and SB 1042, sending them to Governor Katie Hobbs’ desk, but whether they will be signed into law still remains uncertain.  

SB 1649 establishes a Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund managed by the State Treasurer, seeded with seized and forfeited digital assets at no new cost to taxpayers. The Treasurer is authorized to hold, invest, and where appropriate, lend those assets to generate returns. The bill proposes this effort be governed by a “cryptocurrency fair value” framework that evaluates assets on measurable criteria like market capitalization, network activity, and ecosystem development.  

SB 1042 would complement the reserve by enabling Arizona to diversify a small portion of public funds beyond traditional assets into high-potential digital assets. 

Why This Matters for Arizona’s Fiscal Future

As state debts and unfunded pension liabilities grow, governments face mounting pressure to protect long-term purchasing power without burdening taxpayers. Traditional portfolios have a mix of bonds, cash, and Treasuries. Digital assets offer states a new diversification opportunity, and Arizona’s framework is designed to capture that upside responsibly.

The digital asset industry has grown from roughly $10 billion in total market capitalization a decade ago to between $2 and $3 trillion today and shown increasing stability alongside sustained growth. Critically, SB 1649’s weighted, metrics-based framework for determining eligible assets means Arizona is not relying on a concentrated position on any single token. It is building a diversified digital asset allocation governed by principled, measurable criteria. That is the same discipline we expect from any well-managed public fund, now applied to an asset class most state treasuries haven’t yet had the tools to access.

Good Policy Built Right

Passing the legislation is step one. Implementation is the bigger challenge, and Arizona has the opportunity to set an example for state governments across the country

Diversify thoughtfully within the framework. SB 1649’s fair value framework was designed to allow Arizona to invest across a diversified mix of assets rather than concentrating exposure in a single token. As the Treasurer’s office operationalizes the fund, it should establish clear, repeatable processes for evaluating asset eligibility, reviewing portfolio composition regularly, and resisting any pressure to treat the fund as a single-asset vehicle. Diversification across digital assets with different use cases, network characteristics, and market dynamics is what transforms this reserve from a novelty into a durable fiscal tool.

Go beyond periodic attestation and build out the full reserve stack. As Arizona moves into the next phase of digital asset innovation, it should anchor its framework in transparency and durability. Across unclaimed assets, strategic reserves, and state stablecoin regulation, Arizona should aim for the ceiling in its digital asset administration. Traditional monthly audits show what was true at a single point in time, while programmatic, on-chain proof of reserves can show what is true continuously, every block, every second. But proof of reserves is only the foundation. Proof of composition provides transparency into the makeup of reserve assets to guard against concentration and tail risk, while proof of solvency can continuously demonstrate that total assets exceed liabilities.

Together, these layers distinguish a durable financial system from a compliance checkbox. This framework is ultimately about more than compliance; it’s about building enduring financial infrastructure and services that strengthen Arizona’s long-term fiscal stability. This also offers assurance to regulators that they can cover their bases by leveraging technology to hedge against risk.

Use the custodial flexibility the bill provides. SB 1649’s amended language recognizes secure custody solutions as qualified custodians, and the bill preserves the Treasurer’s ability to self-custody assets directly using technology providers. This is a wise choice, as it is typically more cost-effective, secure, and less exposed to third-party risk than relying exclusively on institutional custodians.

The Bigger Picture

Arizona’s move is not just about reserves. It is a signal. A signal that states are beginning to treat digital assets as a strategic asset class, a legitimate investment opportunity, and a clear message to innovators that Arizona is open for business.

The Digital Chamber State Network stands ready to help ensure what comes next matches the ambition of what has just been achieved.

Maryland Leads the Way: Turning Digital Asset Policy into Progress 

by Megan Thorpe

By Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director, Digital Chamber State Network | Jacqui Cooper, CEO, Maryland Blockchain Association 

At its best, digital asset policy is not only about markets or technology. It is about expanding access, strengthening protections, and creating real opportunities. For Maryland communities, from the unbanked to students, to entrepreneurs and workers across the state, they are seeing the benefits of clarity, coordination, and bipartisan action in their legislature to ensure that opportunities for jobs and innovation can flourish in their state. 

As Governor Wes Moore recently underscored at The Digital Chamber’s DC Blockchain Summit, “Innovative technologies like blockchain must work for everyone, including underbanked communities.” Maryland is not just embracing that vision. It is putting it into action.  

The 2026 legislative session will be remembered in Maryland as the year digital asset policy moved from conversation to commitment. As the 2026 legislative session draws to a close, the state has clearly asserted that Maryland is open for business. Lawmakers advanced a cohesive, bipartisan set of policies designed to move blockchain technology from theory into real-world applications and, on a broader scale, have positioned the state to compete for digital assets jobs by embracing responsible innovation. 

Building the Legal Foundation 

The 2026 legislative session will be remembered in Maryland as the year digital asset policy moved from conversation to commitment. 

At the heart of this session, progress is SB 154, which modernizes Maryland’s commercial code to recognize controllable electronic records. Though not flashy, this foundational move aligns UCC Article 12 and considers adopting provisions for Controllable Electronic Records. Simply stated, Maryland has modernized its commercial law to recognize and protect digital assets with the same rigor as traditional physical property. For consumers and businesses, this means digital assets are just like other asset classes, which can be owned, transferred, financed, and secured with distinct legal clarity. 

Putting Blockchain to Work 

Maryland is equally focused on harnessing blockchain technology for tangible public value. SB 168 / HB 810 is now headed to the Governor’s desk and means the state will actively study evaluating recording real property titles on blockchain-based systems. By piloting blockchain-based title verification, the state is making a concrete investment in modern technology that will reduce fraud, streamline transactions, and shine a light on systems traditionally burdened by inefficiency and opacity.  

Playing the Long Game 

Maryland’s work is smart and likely to be successful because it is built on a foundation of technical expertise. 

SB 376 / HB 470 establishes a Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Task Force, creating a standing engine for the state to continue to lead in policy development. This task force will offer a low-risk, low-cost, and transparent path to policymaking, while enabling lawmakers to build internal expertise, compare approaches taken by peer states, and assess real-world use cases. By doing this work before committing public resources or adopting specific rules, Maryland is more likely to continue their practical and bipartisan regulatory efforts. 

Meanwhile, SB 662 / HB 1355, the Maryland Stablecoin Act, is advancing a clear, credible framework for payment stablecoins, providing the consumer protections and banking standards necessary for digital dollars to flourish in the state’s economy. Although this legislation needs some improvement, primarily around reserves and a few other standards, it does a good job at adhering closely to the federal law, the GENIUS Act, and creating nimble efforts to adapt to future industry needs. 

Next Opportunities 

Not every blockchain legislative effort in Maryland advanced this session, and that matters too. 

Unfortunately, SB 759 / HB 859, which addressed staking and broader financial innovation, did not advance out of committee. Marylanders deserve access to staking-as-a-service offerings, as described in this legislation. The industry’s coalition has engaged in educating policymakers around this topic, and staking legislation remains a top priority as it signals a long-term commitment to sophisticated financial technology.  

The Maryland Blockchain Association calls these education efforts its “Lighthouse” strategy and will continue to push for clarity that attracts serious players and builds a real, durable digital assets innovation ecosystem. 

The next opportunity is the Maryland BlockchAIn Bootcamp & Workforce Expo, will be held from July 13–17, 2026, at Capitol Technology University. The Expo will gather consumers, students, businesses, state leaders, and the new cohort of The Blockchain Legal Institute’s Business of Blockchain Interns to demonstrate real-world applications for blockchain technology. A Replicable Blueprint 

Groups that share Maryland’s ambition are beginning to take root in other states. Together, The Digital Chamber’s State Network and the Maryland Blockchain Association have partnered to help increase awareness of the facts around blockchain.  

We commend the Maryland lawmakers who drove this progress, including Delegate Boafo, Senator Watson, Delegate Amprey, Senator Hayes, and Senator West. Their leadership reflects exactly the kind of policymaking this moment demands, grounded not just in innovation, but in impact. We look forward to our continued work with them to ensure that Maryland continues to prioritize the values of privacy, freedom, and innovation that Marylanders deserve.