Bipartisan Bill Aims to Shield Blockchain Developers from Legal Liability
US lawmakers are moving to protect blockchain developers from being criminally prosecuted under money transmission laws when they don't control user funds. Representatives Scott Fitzgerald, Ben Cline, and Zoe Lofgren introduced the Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act, which WOULD amend Section 1960 of federal law to exclude software engineers who write code but don't handle digital assets.
The legislation addresses a growing concern in crypto circles where developers face charges for creating tools that facilitate cryptocurrency transactions—even without custody of funds. The bill specifically carves out protections for those building networks or maintaining platforms without touching customer money.
This comes as regulatory scrutiny intensifies around decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and their creators. The proposed changes could significantly impact how blockchain innovation progresses in the US by providing clearer legal boundaries for developers.