**Arizona Enacts Bill to Secure Unclaimed Digital Assets and Launch Bitcoin Reserve Fund**
Arizona has taken a significant step toward embracing digital assets. On Wednesday, Governor Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2749 into law, authorizing the state to claim ownership of abandoned digital assets, including Bitcoin, after three years of inactivity. The move positions Arizona alongside states like New Hampshire in integrating cryptocurrency into state-level finance.
The new law not only enables the state to take possession of unclaimed digital currencies but also establishes a Bitcoin and Digital Asset Reserve Fund, which will grow through staking rewards and airdrops—without requiring taxpayer funding.
"Digital assets aren't the future—they're the present," said Chairman Jeff Weninger in a press release. "This law ensures Arizona doesn’t leave value on the table and puts us in a position to lead the country in how we secure, manage, and benefit from abandoned digital currency."
The move mirrors New Hampshire’s House Bill 302, signed Tuesday by Governor Kelly Ayotte, which allows the state treasury to invest up to 5% of public funds in Bitcoin and other digital assets—making New Hampshire the first U.S. state to officially launch a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Although Governor Hobbs recently vetoed a separate measure over concerns about "untested investment" strategies, her approval of HB 2749 has renewed optimism among state crypto advocates and lawmakers.
Following the announcement, Bitcoin surged, reaching $97,000 on Tuesday and climbing further to $98,500 on Wednesday. These legislative developments may influence other states like North Carolina and Texas, which are also exploring reserve funds tied to digital assets.
Arizona’s move could mark the beginning of a broader trend as U.S. states race to define their role in the evolving digital finance landscape.
#BTCtrade #TradeStories #StripeStablecoinAccounts #BTCBreaks99K