139 legislators voted in favor of the proposed amendments, with only two being against it.
On May 10th, the lawmakers in Texas hosted a vote proposing to amend the state’s Bill of Rights to include cryptocurrencies.
With the move, legislators in the state aimed to give recognition to individuals that utilize, possess, or retain cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Tether (USDT).
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The bill was initially introduced on March 3rd by State Representative Giovani Capriglione.
In a nutshell, the bill offers to make the use of “cash, coin, bullion, digital currency, or privately issued script” for trading legal. The Texas House Bill HJR 146 reads:
The right of the people to own, hold, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange, including cash, coin, bullion, digital currency, or privately issued scrip, when trading and contracting for goods and services shall not be infringed.
During the voting, 139 legislators voted in favor of the proposal, with two lawmakers voting against it.
Interestingly, the bill includes a rather pro-crypto statement:
No government shall prohibit or encumber the ownership or holding of any form or amount of money or other currency.
It is worth noting that the Texas Bill of Rights is similar to the US Bill of Rights and protects essential liberties of citizens, such as freedom of religion, press, and speech. However, the Bill also includes some parts distinguished only to the state of Texas. For example, the right to possess and carry weapons for self-defense.
On May 11th, the founder of the Texas Constitutional Enforcement group, Tom Glass, revealed that there should be another House vote for the bill. If the bill passes all stages in the House, then it will be moved to the Senate, and a public vote will be initiated.
At the end of April, crypto enthusiasts took to the streets of Texas to protest the Senate’s decision to amend Texas’ utilities and tax code, introducing restrictions for crypto mining companies.
