West Virginia Lawmakers Want To Invest In Bitcoin

"West Virginia lawmakers introduced legislation this week that would authorize the state treasurer to invest a portion of public funds in bitcoin, precious metals, and regulated stablecoins, marking a significant step toward integrating digital assets into state-level finance. West Virginia Senate Bill 143, introduced by Sen. Chris Rose during the 2026 regular legislative session, would create a new section of state law titled the "Inflation Protection Act of 2026.""

"Under the bill, the West Virginia could invest in digital assets that maintained an average market capitalization above $750 billion over the prior calendar year. That threshold currently limits eligibility to only bitcoin, without naming the asset directly in statute. At the end of the digital bill, there is text that says "The purpose of this bill is to empower the Treasurer to invest in gold, silver, and bitcoin.""

"The bill also allows investments in stablecoins that have received regulatory approval at either the federal or state level. The proposed 10% cap would apply at the time an investment is made. If asset prices rise and push the allocation above that threshold, the board would not be required to sell holdings, though it would be barred from making additional purchases until the allocation falls back below the limit."

Senate Bill 143 would create the Inflation Protection Act of 2026 permitting the Board of Treasury Investments to allocate up to 10% of overseen funds into gold, silver, platinum, and certain digital assets. Digital asset eligibility requires an average market capitalization above $750 billion in the prior year, effectively limiting choices to bitcoin. The bill allows investments in federally or state-regulated stablecoins. The 10% cap applies at purchase time; no forced sales are required if allocations later exceed the cap, but further purchases are barred until allocations fall below the limit. Detailed custody, control, redundancy, audit, and disaster recovery standards are specified.

Read at Bitcoin Magazine