Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consumer Protection Crypto topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
AARP urges ban on crypto kiosks; industry urges collaboration at Saint Paul hearing
Summary
At a public hearing on a proposed ban on virtual-currency kiosks, an AARP volunteer urged stronger consumer protections and a ban, while Bitcoin Depot’s government-relations director urged working with the state and industry instead of a local ban. Council closed the hearing and laid the matter over to Nov. 19.
A public hearing on an ordinance that would prohibit placement of virtual-currency kiosks in Saint Paul drew competing testimony Nov. 5.
Gordon Bridal, an AARP volunteer and Saint Paul resident, described kiosks as a vehicle used by scammers and urged legislation to “close loopholes and enhance oversight and prioritize consumer protection.” He told the council AARP wants stronger rules because scammers have exploited gaps in state law.
Ethan McClelland, director of government relations at Bitcoin Depot, the largest kiosk operator mentioned in the hearing, said his company operates seven kiosks in Saint Paul and has implemented industry anti-fraud measures. McClelland argued that the industry is now licensed at the state level (a 2024 law licensed operation of kiosks) and said a reactionary local ban would deprive some cash-using residents of access to digital financial services; he urged working with the state Department of Commerce and the industry to strengthen consumer protections.
The council closed the hearing and laid the item over to Nov. 19 for further consideration. On a related procedural roll-call, the transcript records 7 in favor and 1 opposed (Council Member Buie) for an item in that sequence; the hearing record was otherwise closed and the ordinance scheduled for final consideration at the Nov. 19 council meeting.
