Committee splits on blockchain/digital currency bill; amendment clarifies exchange definition but measure sent to floor without committee recommendation

The Senate Commerce Committee debated House Bill 639, which governs digital asset businesses and blockchain operations in New Hampshire. Senators considered an amendment (1909s) requested by the Secretary of State and the bill’s prime sponsor that clarified the statutory definition of a “digital asset exchange.”

During the hearing, several senators raised concerns about energy consumption, noise and local control. Senator Ricciardi argued for re‑referral to study the bill further, citing unanswered questions around power and water usage, community impacts and local planning authority; other senators said the bill preserves towns’ ability to enact noise ordinances and would send a business‑friendly signal to technology companies.

The committee first voted in favor of the sponsor’s clarifying amendment. On the bill itself the vote was tied at 3‑3; the chair announced that on a 3‑3 vote the bill would go to the Senate floor without a committee recommendation. Senator Murphy supported the bill, saying the amendment addressed concerns about local noise control, while other senators urged a more deliberate study to avoid “opening the floodgates” to unregulated data centers.

Because the committee left the bill for the floor without a recommendation, any further legislative action — amendments or scheduling — will proceed under the Senate rules on floor consideration. The committee record shows the amendment clarified statutory definitions but did not resolve members’ broader policy concerns.