Bitcoin News: Indiana Bitcoin Rights Bill Advances to Governor After Bicameral Approval

Indiana lawmakers have advanced a wide-ranging digital asset bill that expands cryptocurrency investment access for public retirement plans while strengthening individual rights to use and hold crypto. The legislation now awaits final approval from Mike Braun, Indiana’s governor.House Bill 1042, formally titled “Regulation and Investment of Cryptocurrency,” received bicameral approval on Wednesday after the Indiana House concurred with amendments passed by the Senate. The bill was introduced by state Representative Kyle Pierce.Crypto Access for Public Retirement and Savings PlansHB 1042 requires several state-administered retirement and savings plans to offer participants a self-directed brokerage account that includes at least one cryptocurrency investment option.Plans covered under the bill include:The legislators’ defined contribution planThe Hoosier START college savings programDesignated plans under the Public Employees’ Retirement FundDesignated plans under the Teachers’ Retirement FundThe measure is designed to broaden investment choice while allowing participants to decide their own risk exposure, rather than mandating direct crypto allocation by the state.Legal Protections for Individual Crypto UseBeyond investment access, HB 1042 includes explicit protections for individual digital asset activity. The bill prevents most public agencies—excluding the Department of Financial Institutions—from enforcing rules that restrict the lawful use of cryptocurrencies.Under the bill:Individuals cannot be barred from accepting crypto as payment for legal goods and servicesResidents retain the right to hold digital assets in self-custodied or hardware walletsThe state is prohibited from imposing special or discriminatory taxes on crypto transactions that do not apply to other financial activitiesEffective Date and National ContextIf signed into law, HB 1042 will take effect on July 1, 2026.The legislation reflects a broader national shift toward integrating Bitcoin and digital assets into traditional financial frameworks while preserving user autonomy. At the federal level, Donald Trump signed an executive order in August allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include cryptocurrency investments, signaling growing acceptance of digital assets within regulated retirement systems.With final approval now resting on the governor’s desk, Indiana is positioned to become one of the more crypto-forward U.S. states in both retirement policy and individual digital asset rights, according to The Block.