Key Highlights
- New Hampshire has registered HB 639, a blockchain rights legislation.
- The law prevents state and local governments from restricting crypto payments or self-custody wallets.
- Individuals receive explicit legal protections for running blockchain nodes, mining, and staking.
New Hampshire has taken another step toward expanding legal protections for digital assets after registering House Bill 639 (HB 639), legislation establishing protections for blockchain technology, digital assets, and their users.
The bill, officially titled the Blockchain Basic Law, was published on July 1 and establishes a legal framework protecting individuals and businesses engaged in blockchain activities while limiting the ability of state and local governments to restrict cryptocurrency use.
Crypto payments and self-custody get protection
One of the law’s key provisions explicitly prevents any state agency or local government from prohibiting or restricting residents from using digital assets to purchase lawful goods and services. The legislation also guarantees individuals the right to hold and manage their cryptocurrencies through self-hosted wallets or third-party wallets.
In addition, the law prohibits governments from imposing taxes, fees, or penalties solely because digital assets are used as a method of payment. The measure recognizes cryptocurrencies as a legitimate payment option while strengthening protections for financial self-custody.
Mining, staking, and nodes receive legal protection
Beyond payments, HB 639 provides explicit legal protections for blockchain infrastructure participants. Under the law, neither state nor local governments may prohibit individuals or businesses from operating blockchain nodes, validating transactions, or participating in staking on blockchain networks.
The legislation also clarifies that individuals who mine or stake digital assets using their own funds are not automatically offering securities under New Hampshire law. Likewise, digital asset exchanges providing staking services will not be considered to be offering securities, provided customer assets remain under appropriate control.
The law further exempts individuals operating blockchain nodes or conducting digital asset mining from obtaining money transmitter licenses solely because of those activities.
Dedicated blockchain court docket created
In one of the bill’s most unusual provisions, New Hampshire is creating a specialized Blockchain Dispute Docket within the state’s Superior Court system. The new docket will hear complex blockchain-related legal disputes when participating parties agree to its jurisdiction.
Cases involving smart contracts, blockchain technology, digital asset transactions, fiduciary duties, fraud, tokenized business arrangements, and disputes arising under the Blockchain Basic Laws may all be heard through the specialized court. The legislation also allows judges with expertise in blockchain technology to oversee these cases.
Built on earlier crypto policy efforts
HB 639 builds on recommendations issued by former Governor Chris Sununu’s Commission on Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets. The legislation states that blockchain technology is an important technical innovation capable of delivering economic and societal benefits while arguing that legal uncertainty has discouraged investment and innovation.
Lawmakers also state that New Hampshire intends to become “an attractive jurisdiction for blockchain-related business and innovation” by providing regulatory certainty while protecting consumers and investors.
Part of New Hampshire’s broader crypto strategy
The legislation builds on New Hampshire’s broader effort to position itself as one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the United States. Earlier this year, the state drew attention after unveiling plans for a $100 million Bitcoin-backed bond, becoming one of the first U.S. states to explore capital market products linked directly to Bitcoin.
At the time, ratings agency Moody’s clarified that the proposed structure would not expose taxpayers to repayment risk, noting that no public funds would be used to service the bitcoin-backed bond obligations.
The proposal followed New Hampshire’s earlier efforts to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, expanding the state’s digital asset initiatives.
With HB 639 now strengthening legal protections for self-custody, blockchain infrastructure, and digital asset businesses, New Hampshire has expanded its approach beyond Bitcoin investment to include a broader legal framework governing blockchain activity.
Also read: IMF Says Tokenization Could Reshape the Global Finance System
