Ohio Takes the Lead in Crypto Payments, Driving Nationwide Digital Transformation
- Ohio becomes first U.S. state to enable crypto payments for state fees via a vendor contract, approved by Secretary LaRose and Treasurer Sprague. - The Blockchain Basics Act prohibits local crypto restrictions and exempts under-$200 transactions from capital gains tax, supporting small users and innovation. - National trends show 47 states proposing Strategic Bitcoin Reserves, with Ohio’s HB18 aiming to create a $750B+ crypto reserve funded by state investment earnings. - While advocates highlight effici
The Ohio State Board of Deposit has entered into a finalized agreement with a service provider to handle cryptocurrency payments for state-related transactions, representing a major advancement in the state’s adoption of digital currencies within its public financial system. This decision, made public on September 24, 2025, comes after sustained efforts by Secretary of State Frank LaRose and State Treasurer Robert Sprague, who first introduced the proposal in April 2025. The board’s unanimous approval paves the way for Ohioans to use
The initiative to support crypto payments was launched in April, with the board giving initial consent in May but postponing the final selection of a provider until later in the year. LaRose pointed out that his office manages over 450,000 transactions each year, such as business registrations and campaign finance reports, and noted a sharp increase in requests for cryptocurrency payment options. With the vendor now approved, the program can begin immediately, making Ohio the first state to provide this type of service.
This move is part of a broader legislative effort to establish Ohio as a frontrunner in digital asset regulation. In June 2025, the state House passed the Ohio Blockchain Basics Act, which prevents local governments from limiting digital asset usage and exempts crypto transactions under $200 from capital gains tax reporting. The legislation is designed to lower regulatory hurdles for smaller users and promote technological progress. LaRose has also supported House Bill 18, which aims to create an Ohio Strategic Crypto Reserve. This reserve would be financed by a share of the state’s investment returns and could include digital assets with a market capitalization above $750 billion.
On a national scale, Ohio’s actions reflect a wider movement among states to incorporate cryptocurrency into their financial systems. The Bitcoin Laws tracker reports that 47 states have put forward Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) proposals, with 26 actively under review. Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire have made the most progress, while most other states are still in committee stages. Michigan recently revived its previously stalled SBR bill, with House Bill 4087 advancing to the Government Operations Committee after months of inactivity. Ohio’s initiatives are in line with federal efforts, such as President Donald Trump’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which aims to establish the U.S. as a global leader in crypto innovation.
The adoption of crypto payments has attracted attention from industry participants, with supporters noting its potential to make government services more efficient and to draw technology-focused companies to the state. Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund, called the Blockchain Basics Act a “strong indication” that Ohio legislators are “promoting innovation.” On the other hand, critics warn that Ohio’s swift embrace of crypto policies could leave the state vulnerable to market swings and regulatory ambiguity. Nonetheless, Ohio’s recent steps highlight a growing acceptance of digital assets as a valid financial instrument for both public and private use.
Source: [1] Ohio Approves Bitcoin Payments for State Services [2] Ohio Moves to Accept Crypto Payments for State Fees [3] Ohio pushes forward on crypto payments for state fees [4] Ohio Approves Crypto Payments for State Services - Phemex [5] Ohio approves cryptocurrency payments for state government fees [6] Ohio Approves Crypto Payment Processor for State Fees, … [7] House Bill 18 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio House of … [8] OH HB18 | BillTrack50 [9] Secretary LaRose Applauds Progress Toward State Acceptance of ...
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