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House narrowly approves study group to examine accepting Bitcoin for state services
Summary
The House passed first substitute HCR 6 to create a working group to study whether Utah should accept Bitcoin as a payment option for state services. Sponsors said the resolution is a study only and that Bitcoin would be treated as a medium of exchange, converted to dollars on receipt; the measure passed 38-36.
The Utah House on March 3 adopted a first substitute to HCR 6, which establishes a working group to study whether state agencies should accept Bitcoin for payments.
Representative Norm Roberts, sponsor of the resolution, said the proposal was recommended by the state treasurer and intended only to create an informal working group to study demand and implementation details rather than to make the state accept Bitcoin. "This is not legal tender. It's not treated as legal tender. It's a medium of exchange," Roberts said, noting that the state would convert Bitcoin receipts to dollars.
Members raised constitutional and practical concerns. Representative Fred Cox questioned whether a state-level acceptance of Bitcoin could contravene Congress's monetary powers; Representative Cutler said he had "heard nothing but horror stories about Bitcoin" and opposed studying adoption now. Sponsor Roberts replied that the working group approach was low-cost and recommended by the treasurer.
After debate and substitution, the House approved first substitute HCR 6 by a narrow vote of 38 yes to 36 no; the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate.
