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Saint Paul council bans cryptocurrency kiosks, citing predatory impacts on seniors and vulnerable residents
Summary
The City Council adopted an ordinance banning virtual-currency kiosks after council members described testimony that kiosks prey on seniors and low-income residents; the measure passed 6–1 with Council Member Buie the sole vote against it.
The Saint Paul City Council voted to adopt an ordinance prohibiting the placement and use of virtual-currency kiosks in the city, citing testimony that the machines have been used in predatory schemes that disproportionately affected seniors and other vulnerable residents.
Council President Naker moved adoption of ordinance 25-76 on final reading, framing the action as consumer protection and thanking staff and resident testifiers who reported harm. Supporters described personal stories and staff research showing kiosks concentrated in neighborhoods with older residents.
Vice President Kim and Council Members Jost, Yang, Coleman and Johnson said they supported the ban after hearing testimony and staff work; each noted concerns about scams and residents in distress. Ms. Buie spoke against the ordinance, urging stronger regulatory coordination with state authorities and warning that a ban could displace the problem to neighboring jurisdictions.
The council conducted a roll-call vote: Kim—Yes; Yang—Aye; Buie—No; Coleman—Yes; Johnson—Aye; Jost—Yes; Council President Naker—Aye. The ordinance was adopted 6–1.
The council president credited legislative aides and community members who brought the issue forward, and staff said the ban follows similar local actions elsewhere as part of a consumer-protection effort. The ordinance text and effective date were adopted as presented; the council did not record amendments on the floor.
The council’s action now moves the city toward enforcement steps set out in the ordinance; implementation details, including timelines and enforcement mechanisms, will be determined by city staff and could be the subject of subsequent council action.
