TL;DR
- Innovative Investment Strategy: New Hampshire’s Senate Finance Committee passes HB302, allowing up to 5% of state funds to be invested in Bitcoin and precious metals.
- Flexible Custody Options: The bill offers varied custody methods—direct custody, qualified custodians, or ETFs—to balance innovation with risk management.
- Pioneering Digital Adoption: This move positions New Hampshire as a leader in state-level crypto integration, joining peers like Arizona and Texas in diversifying public assets.
New Hampshire is leading the charge with an innovative investment strategy for its state treasury. The Senate Finance Committee has approved bill HB302, demonstrating robust legislative backing for a strategic reserve that incorporates Bitcoin and certain precious metals.
🇺🇸 State Reserve Race Update:
New Hampshire Bitcoin Reserve Bill HB 302 has passed the Senate Ways & Means Committee, by a 4-1 vote. pic.twitter.com/pKjLyy8EpO
— Bitcoin Laws (@Bitcoin_Laws) April 24, 2025
Senate Finance Committee Backs Bold Proposal
On April 23, 2025, the New Hampshire Senate Finance Committee made a significant decision by passing HB302 with a vote of 4-1. Officially titled “Relative to Enabling the State Treasury to Invest in Precious Metals and Digital Assets,” the bill outlines a plan that would allow the state treasurer to allocate up to 5% of the general fund and other authorized funds into robust digital assets and precious metals.
Under the current guidelines, only Bitcoin qualifies, as it consistently meets the benchmark of having an average market capitalization of at least $500 billion over the past calendar year. The proposal provides multiple avenues for custody, giving the treasurer flexibility to manage these assets efficiently.
Investment options include direct custody with a secure solution, working with a qualified custodian, or using an ETF. This approach reflects a careful balancing act between innovation and fiscal prudence, as state officials aim to diversify public assets while mitigating risk.
A Step Toward a Crypto-Integrated Future
The advancement of HB302 marks New Hampshire’s emergence in the growing trend of state-level digital asset adoption. With the bill now moving to a full Senate vote, New Hampshire is joining the ranks of states like Arizona and Texas, which have also taken strides toward incorporating crypto into their treasury strategies.
Proponents argue that this initiative will not only broaden the state’s investment portfolio but also position New Hampshire as a forward-thinking hub in an increasingly digital economy. Critics, however, caution about the inherent risks involved in digital asset volatility.
Despite these concerns, supporters see the bill as a bold move that aligns with evolving market realities and offers a hedge against traditional fiscal challenges. As the final Senate vote approaches, the outcome of HB302 remains a closely watched indicator of how state governments can innovate within the public finance sector.
