Massachusetts’ Bitcoin Reserve Bill Hits A Wall As Lawmakers Go Silent — What’s Next?

What Happened

The bill, titled An Act Relative to a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, was introduced by Republican State Senator Peter Durant and presented before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Revenue on Tuesday.

The quiet reception marked the bill’s first legislative activity since it was introduced in February 2025.

“We’ve been having great conversations with our colleagues about the possibility of bringing Bitcoin to Massachusetts, and we’re working hard to move this forward alongside others who have filed similar legislation,” he said.

Data from the Bitcoin Reserve Monitor shows that more than two dozen states introduced reserve-related bills in 2025, but most remain in committee or face uncertain prospects.

Under Durant’s plan, the proposed reserve would not compel the state treasury to immediately acquire Bitcoin.

Market Context

Bloomberg reported in February that at least four states rejected Bitcoin reserve proposals in a single month, citing volatility and fiscal risk.

Jennifer Schulp of the Cato Institute noted that even in bullish market conditions, price swings remain a major obstacle for lawmakers tasked with managing public funds.

Why It Matters

“This creates a prudent diversification tool, ensuring full transparency, oversight, and risk management without mandating any action,” Durant said during the session.

He argued that the measure could be bipartisan in nature and pointed to other U.S. states that have already taken steps to create digital asset reserves.

As of October 2025, only three states have successfully created Bitcoin reserve frameworks. New Hampshire became the first in May, followed by Arizona and Texas, which approved a modest $10 million allocation earlier this year.

Details

A proposal to establish a state-backed Bitcoin reserve in Massachusetts has encountered an early setback after state lawmakers showed little engagement during its first public hearing in eight months.

Massachusetts Bill Proposes Allocating Billions From State Reserve to Bitcoin

The measure seeks to authorize the state treasury to allocate up to 10% of the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund, a reserve worth billions, into Bitcoin and other digital assets.

It would also allow Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies seized by state authorities to be added to a dedicated reserve.

However, after opening the floor for questions, the committee members remained silent, offering no responses or follow-up inquiries on the proposal.

The committee now has 60 days to either advance the legislation or refer it for additional review, indicating possible movement by early December.

Durant said that he remains optimistic despite the lack of immediate engagement.

“Lawmakers have been engaged and open during the process, and we’re focused on continuing to educate every stakeholder.”

Dennis Porter, CEO of the Bitcoin advocacy group Satoshi Action Fund, also testified in support of the bill.

Porter described Massachusetts as “a historic financial hub” well suited to lead state-level Bitcoin initiatives, noting that the state pioneered America’s first mutual fund and has long been central to U.S. financial innovation.

State Bitcoin Reserve Movement Falters as Massachusetts Adds to Growing List of Delays

The Massachusetts hearing follows similar activity across the country, where a handful of states have explored or enacted Bitcoin reserve measures.

Texas, Arizona, and New Hampshire have all passed legislation establishing state-level reserves, while proposals in Wyoming, Montana, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota have stalled or been rejected.

The tepid response in Massachusetts comes amid a broader cooling of momentum for such initiatives.