The Arkansas Senate has voted against Senate Bill 60 , which aimed to block cryptocurrency mining operations within 30 miles of military bases. The bill failed in a 6-1 vote, allowing mining activities to continue near these facilities despite security concerns. If passed, the bill would have forced unlicensed mining operations in these areas to shut down unless they had obtained permits before December 31, 2024. It also proposed halting any new mining projects near military installations and granted the Attorney General authority to investigate potential violations. Senators Ricky Hill and Brian S. Evans, who introduced the bill, acknowledged the economic benefits of digital asset mining but warned of the risks involved. According to the bill, crypto mining near military bases could pose a threat to national security , increasing vulnerabilities in sensitive areas. The bill described the proposed restrictions as essential for protecting the state's security and public safety. Despite these arguments, lawmakers rejected the measure, keeping mining businesses free from additional regulations. This decision aligns with Arkansas’ 2023 “Right to Mine” law, which protects commercial crypto mining in the state. However, this law has faced pushback due to concerns over its environmental impact and high energy consumption. Meanwhile, in North Dakota, legislators are moving in the opposite direction. Representative Nathan Toman has introduced a bill designed to protect key rights of cryptocurrency users and miners. This includes safeguards for self-custody, peer-to-peer transactions, and the ability to operate Bitcoin nodes. Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund, confirmed the bill’s introduction, stating that it ensures legal protections for crypto activities. He emphasized that it will uphold fundamental freedoms for digital asset users. These developments come as cryptocurrency continues to gain attention in national policy discussions. President Donald Trump , now serving his second term, has expressed strong support for domestic Bitcoin mining. He has advocated for the United States to lead in the industry, pushing for all future Bitcoin mining to occur within the country. With the Arkansas bill’s failure and North Dakota’s new legislation, the debate over crypto mining regulations remains active, reflecting the growing impact of digital assets on both state and national policies.
