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New Hampshire signs blockchain law after creating 5% Bitcoin reserve

New Hampshire signs blockchain law after creating 5% Bitcoin reserve

Governor Kelly Ayotte signed HB 639, protecting self-custody rights and establishing a blockchain-focused court mechanism as the state deepens its pro-digital-asset legal framework.

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Fact Check
Every element of the claim is corroborated. The official NH governor's page confirms HB 639 was signed. Decrypt confirms HB 639 adds legal protections for crypto users/developers (self-custody, mining, staking, development) and establishes a blockchain dispute docket. Pew and other sources confirm the earlier 5% Bitcoin reserve law (HB 302). Decrypt and Business NH Magazine confirm the state rejected the Bitcoin-backed municipal bond proposal. Minor date discrepancy (governor's page lists July 10, 2026 signing date while news outlets cite July 13, 2026) does not affect the substance of the claim.
Summary

New Hampshire has enacted HB 639, described as the Blockchain Basic Law, extending legal protections for crypto innovation and use in the state after Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the measure last week. The law protects individuals' rights to hold and use digital assets through self-custody and creates a blockchain-focused court mechanism, giving the sector a more defined legal pathway for resolving blockchain-related disputes. The measure adds to the state's broader effort to build a supportive framework for digital-asset activity. The move follows New Hampshire's earlier step in May 2025, when it became the first U.S. state to pass a strategic Bitcoin reserve bill allowing the state treasury to invest up to 5% of public funds in Bitcoin and precious metals. Together, the measures reinforce New Hampshire's position as one of the more crypto-friendly U.S. states while federal digital-asset regulation remains fragmented.

Terms & Concepts
  • self-custody: The practice of holding and controlling digital assets directly rather than through an intermediary.
  • digital assets: Digitally issued or recorded assets that can be held, transferred or used electronically.
  • Bitcoin reserve: A policy framework that allows public funds to be allocated to Bitcoin as part of state-held reserves.