Legislation Watchlist
Blockchain-related legislation and regulatory actions at the international, U.S. federal, and state levels. Tracked by the working group for awareness—inclusion is not an endorsement.
International
Comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto-assets covering issuers, e-money tokens, and service providers. Fully applicable since December 30, 2024.
Requires EU member states to mandate crypto-asset service providers to collect and automatically exchange user tax information across borders. First reporting year is 2026.
International standard for automatic exchange of tax-relevant information on crypto-asset transactions between participating tax authorities. First exchanges targeted for 2027.
Requires virtual asset service providers to collect and transmit originator and beneficiary information for crypto transfers, mirroring the wire transfer Travel Rule.
Brings cryptoassets and stablecoins within the UK's regulated activities framework, giving HM Treasury and the FCA authority to create licensing and market abuse rules for crypto.
Spain targets mid-2026 for complete domestic implementation of MiCA and DAC8. From July 1, 2026, only firms holding full MiCA authorization may operate. CNMV Circular 2/2025 defines reporting obligations for crypto-asset service providers.
U.S. Federal
First major federal cryptocurrency legislation. Establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins requiring 1:1 reserve backing, AML compliance, and a dual federal/state licensing regime. Signed July 18, 2025.
Revoked the prior administration's crypto EO, banned development of a U.S. CBDC, and directed an interagency working group to produce a federal regulatory framework for digital assets. Signed January 23, 2025.
Comprehensive digital asset market structure legislation allocating regulatory jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC. Exempts mature blockchain networks' tokens from SEC registration. Passed the House; pending in the Senate.
Would establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the U.S. Treasury, requiring Bitcoin held for a minimum of 20 years with quarterly cryptographic proof-of-reserve attestations. Referred to Senate Banking Committee.
Directs OMB to develop a strategy for federal agencies to use blockchain and DLT to improve government operations, transparency, and data management. Passed the House; pending in the Senate.
SEC approved rule changes allowing spot Bitcoin ETPs to list on national securities exchanges (January 2024), followed by spot Ether ETPs (May 2024).
Allows national securities exchanges to list spot digital asset and commodity ETPs under generic listing standards without individual rule filings. Approved September 17, 2025.
U.S. State
Creates a Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve administered by the state Comptroller, allowing investment in digital assets with market cap exceeding $500 billion. Effective September 1, 2025.
First U.S. state Bitcoin reserve law. Authorizes the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of public funds in digital assets with a market cap over $500 billion. Signed May 6, 2025.
Allows unclaimed crypto assets to be retained in native form rather than liquidated and establishes a Bitcoin and Digital Assets Reserve Fund for unclaimed digital property.
Authorized Wyoming to issue a state-backed stablecoin redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars with reserves in Treasury bills. Wyoming launched the FRNT token on Solana in August 2025—the first state-issued stablecoin.
Provides a formal legal structure for DAOs to operate as unincorporated nonprofit associations, addressing liability, governance, and membership for on-chain organizations. Effective July 1, 2024.
First-in-the-nation law protecting crypto and fiat customers who deposit with Wyoming trust companies or special purpose depository institutions in the event of bankruptcy. Effective July 1, 2024.
Would allow investment of public funds in Bitcoin with independent audits and an advisory committee. Filed for the 2026 legislative session.
Repealed Colorado's 2019 Digital Token Act, which had exempted certain utility tokens from securities law. Digital token transactions are now subject to standard Colorado securities review. Effective August 7, 2024.
Establishes a pilot program within the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to explore the use of blockchain technology for securely recording and verifying real property ownership and assess potential applications for law enforcement and courts in resolving property disputes involving squatting. Passed the Senate 43-0.
Creates a task force to study blockchain technology and cryptocurrency regulation in Maryland, with findings and recommendations due by October 1, 2027.