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Subcommittee approves amended study commission on blockchain, broad membership and year-long report
Summary
Lawmakers amended and approved a study commission to examine blockchain, legal/regulatory frameworks and environmental impacts; the subcommittee voted to report the bill "ought to pass as amended."
The Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee voted to advance an amended bill creating a state study commission on blockchain technologies, voting "ought to pass as amended." The amendment expanded the commission—s charges and membership and extended reporting and repeal dates.
Sponsor remarks and scope: Representative Ammon and other sponsors presented an updated amendment that "replaces the entire bill" and adds more specific charges for the commission, including legal, regulatory, financial and technological considerations for a possible state-level framework and a review of federal activity. The sponsor said he had added environmental protection considerations and language explicitly referencing federal efforts. "I added environmental protection as 1 of the considerations," the sponsor told the committee, noting energy use concerns with certain blockchain designs.
The amended language also adjusted membership: it added the Secretary of State or designee and Attorney General or designee among state participants, increased appointed industry representation to two blockchain-industry members, and pushed the commission—s repeal and report dates back one year (the repeal moved to November 1, 2026, with a matching report date). The sponsor said the commission would explore options including a potential blockchain-based trust and would examine federal activity that might preempt or influence state policy.
Why it matters: Committee members expressed interest in having a state-level expert body available if legislation or technology arrives rapidly, and some said they preferred federal standardization while acknowledging states often act first. Several members urged the commission to carefully survey federal developments and to avoid preempting federal action. One member asked that the commission remain focused because the topic covers many technical and legal areas.
Vote: The subcommittee approved the amendment and then voted the bill "ought to pass as amended." The roll call on the final motion recorded more yes votes than no votes (committee tally reported during the session).
