Texas Authorizes State Bitcoin Reserve in 105– 23 Vote
With strong bipartisan assistance, Texas is on the brink of developing a state-run Bitcoin reserve, potentially becoming the world’s largest government-backed crypto holder, signifying a broader institutional and worldwide shift towards Bitcoin as a strategic asset despite varying state-level approaches.
SB 21 grants the comptroller authority to purchase and hold Bitcoin as well as any other cryptocurrency that maintains a $500 billion market cap for at least 12 consecutive months, but at present, only Bitcoin qualifies. The reserve would be funded using surplus state capital and managed to support both investment returns and administrative costs. As the state moves closer to direct crypto custody, questions around storage and access are starting to surface—not just for institutions, but for everyday users who increasingly expect the same level of control. With a $2.7 trillion economy, Texas would be the largest government entity worldwide to actively hold Bitcoin as a strategic asset.
Across the U.S., state-level interest in Bitcoin reserves is growing but far from uniform. Panama City is moving in a similar direction—its mayor recently indicated interest in a local Bitcoin reserve after consulting with the same advisers. While both efforts are still in early phases, they highlight how national and local governments are starting to treat Bitcoin as a tool for long-term financial strategy. Of course, the business world is moving just as aggressively.
SB 21 grants the comptroller authority to purchase and hold Bitcoin as well as any other cryptocurrency that maintains a $500 billion market cap for at least 12 consecutive months, but at present, only Bitcoin qualifies. The reserve would be funded using surplus state capital and managed to support both investment returns and administrative costs. As the state moves closer to direct crypto custody, questions around storage and access are starting to surface—not just for institutions, but for everyday users who increasingly expect the same level of control. With a $2.7 trillion economy, Texas would be the largest government entity worldwide to actively hold Bitcoin as a strategic asset. Across the U.S., state-level interest in Bitcoin reserves is growing but far from uniform. Around the world, a few governments are also beginning to explore the same idea of holding Bitcoin as part of their financial strategy. In Ukraine, legislators are advancing a proposal to include Bitcoin in the national treasury. Panama City is moving in a similar direction—its mayor recently expressed interest in a municipal Bitcoin reserve after consulting with the same advisers. While both efforts are still in early stages, they highlight how national and local governments are beginning to see Bitcoin as a tool for long-term financial strategy. Of course, the corporate world is moving just as aggressively.