Connecticut Governor Sparks Controversy: Signs Sweeping Ban on Public Officials Using Bitcoin and Crypto

Connecticut just threw cold water on crypto's political ambitions—hard. Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation barring all state officers from holding or transacting in Bitcoin and other digital assets, effective immediately. The move comes as other states flirt with crypto adoption.

The Anti-Crypto Playbook

No gray area here: The bill explicitly prohibits public officials from using cryptocurrencies for any financial activity—salaries, investments, even campaign donations. Violators face ethics investigations and potential removal. "Public trust demands transparency," argued the bill's sponsor, "and crypto’s opacity undermines that."

Wall Street’s Whispered Laugh

Meanwhile, hedge funds quietly stack SATs off-the-books—because nothing says "financial innovation" like banning assets for civil servants while letting billionaires play crypto casino. The law’s timing raises eyebrows too, dropping just as Bitcoin reclaims $60K. Coincidence? Hartford says yes. Crypto Twitter screams conspiracy.

Connecticut’s crackdown could ripple nationwide. For now? Another case study in how governments love blockchain—as long as they control it.

The law stated new rules for crypto businesses to follow, which include that any entity trading virtual currencies, including crypto transactions, digital wallets, and bitcoin Exchanges, must get a license from the State Banking Commissioner.

Such entities must also explain clear risk warnings to consumers, issue receipts after each transaction, and strictly follow anti‑money‑laundering rules. If they allow minors to trade, they must have gotten their parents’ consent beforehand.

Connecticut’s conservative stance on crypto and Bitcoin investments and trading is coming after several of its neighbouring states in the US continue to support creating a Bitcoin reserve to hold a portion of their wealth.

Supporters say the law will protect citizens from exploitation and risks

According to supporters of the law, House Bill 7082 is meant to help protect users from being exploited due to the volatility of cryptocurrencies, especially for underage people. Also, the law is created to help protect Connecticut’s money and resources from unnecessary risks.

However, industry enthusiasts do not agree, noting that while the law might protect citizens due to the unregulated side of crypto, if not done carefully, it could stifle innovation in a growing creative industry. Others are more critical of the move, describing it as an action that will hurt taxpayers.

Meanwhile, some believe the law is simply a statement and the state will eventually reverse its decision in the next few years once it sees its costs. Crypto attorney Aaron Brogan is among those who think the law does nothing of substance in the long run.

Connecticut says No, when other US states are saying Yes

With Connecticut deciding to ban its government from using or investing in Cryptocurrency, it is going away from what other neighbouring and high-profile states are doing. Most of these states already use Bitcoin as a store of value and investment for their assets.

In June, Texas made a bold MOVE in crypto. Its governor, Greg Abbot, ratified a bill known as Senate Bill 21 that allows Texas to create a strategic reserve for Bitcoin. This immediately made Texas the latest US state to create a Bitcoin Reserve while officially allocating $10 million to Bitcoin.

According to its lawmakers, this prepares the state for the inevitable future of digital finance, where it will become a part and parcel of its economy and the global economy. They also believe this step will help protect their funds from inflation and instability, which will help grow Texas financially in the long run.

Arizona and New Hampshire have passed similar bills to set up a strategic Bitcoin and digital assets reserve fund, which their lawmakers believe will help them stay ahead of new technologies and not get left behind. Interestingly,  New Hampshire also has laws that support using digital assets as innovation tools to bring financial freedom.

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