Crypto Deregulation Bill Faces Delay as Senate Committee Calls for Further Study
The push to loosen restrictions on cryptocurrency mining in New Hampshire hit a pause this week, as the Senate Commerce Committee voted to recommend the bill for further interim study rather than immediate passage.
During a meeting on Thursday, senators appeared deeply divided over House Bill 639, which aims to deregulate the energy-intensive practice of crypto mining across the state. After two tied votes—one in favor of advancing the bill and another to reject it—the committee ultimately voted 4–2 to study it further before making a final decision.
Committee members cited a wave of public feedback as a key reason for holding off. Lawmakers said they received an unusually high number of emails and comments from concerned residents since the bill was first introduced in the spring.
If passed, House Bill 639 would prohibit municipalities from imposing crypto-specific restrictions, such as noise limits targeting mining operations. It would also prevent state or local governments from placing unique taxes on digital assets or transactions, while ensuring that individuals and businesses have the freedom to engage in crypto mining activities.
The bill further proposes that blockchain-related legal disputes be handled by a dedicated docket in the state’s superior court, overseen by a judge appointed by the governor.
Bill sponsor Rep. Keith Ammon, a Republican and software developer from New Boston, argues that the legislation would protect innovation and prevent discrimination against the blockchain industry. Ammon emphasized that similar frameworks—developed by the Satoshi Action Group, a national crypto advocacy organization—have already been adopted in several U.S. states.
However, critics warned that deregulation could create environmental and community challenges. Sen. Denise Ricciardi noted that Arkansas, one of the first states to pass similar legislation, was later forced to tighten regulations following noise complaints, foreign ownership concerns, and environmental backlash. Environmental groups, including the New Hampshire Network, have raised alarms about the massive energy and water demands of large-scale crypto mining facilities.
“I don’t want to vote against it,” Ricciardi said, “but we heard from so many constituents, and I would like to have it worked on further before it moves forward next session.”
Sen. Tara Reardon echoed the sentiment, saying she received more public responses to this bill than any other during her tenure, with residents worried about the loss of local control and the potential impact on their towns.
Despite the delay, supporters such as Sen. Keith Murphy remain optimistic. “This legislation sends a strong message that New Hampshire is open to blockchain innovation,” he said.
The full Senate is expected to revisit the bill in the new year, marking the second round of debate on one of the most closely watched crypto policy proposals in the state.