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On May 6, 2025, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 302 into law, making the state the first in the U.S. to authorize the investment of public funds in cryptocurrency. The legislation permits the state treasurer to allocate up to 5% of general funds into digital assets and precious metals. Currently, Bitcoin (BTC) is the only cryptocurrency meeting the bill’s criteria of a market capitalization exceeding $500 billion.
The law stipulates that these digital assets must be held securely, either through qualified custodians or exchange-traded products. Set to take effect in 60 days, this move positions New Hampshire at the forefront of state-level cryptocurrency adoption.
Governor Ayotte announced the signing on social media, stating, “New Hampshire is once again First in the Nation! Just signed a new law allowing our state to invest in cryptocurrency and precious metals.”
This initiative distinguishes New Hampshire from other states and the federal government. While the Trump administration has proposed a national Bitcoin reserve, it currently includes only existing government-held tokens, with no plans for additional purchases. Similar efforts in states like Arizona and Florida have stalled, with Arizona’s bill vetoed and Florida withdrawing its proposals.
Proponents argue that government investment in Bitcoin could serve as a hedge against inflation and financial instability. As of May 6, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $94,800.
