Pennsylvania Proposes Restrictive Crypto Ethics Bill for Officials

Pennsylvania’s House Bill 1812 (HB1812) introduces some of the most restrictive ethics rules for public officials concerning digital assets in the U.S. The proposal aims to limit officials’ and their families’ engagement with cryptocurrencies.

Spearheaded by Representative Ben Waxman, HB1812 restricts Pennsylvania officials and their families from holding or trading cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The bill requires disclosure of holdings over $1,000 and mandates divestment within 90 days.

The bill’s immediate effect will likely be limited to state governance as federal regulators have yet to comment on the matter. The broader market impact is minimal given its focus on a single state’s officials.

No public funds are allocated by this bill, as it solely serves regulatory purposes. Several major cryptocurrencies and digital assets fall under its scope, including stablecoins and NFTs, posing restrictions on involved officials’ financial activities.

The bill does not propose any direct funding measures but imposes strict penalties, including civil fines up to $50,000 and potential felony charges. Transparency of digital assets held by officials is the primary goal, promoting legislative ethics.

The expectation of long-term ramifications on the market remains low. Historical parallels, such as stock-trading bans in Congress, suggest modest asset valuation impacts but enhanced integrity. Regulatory inconsistencies across the U.S. may arise if discrepancies persist. Potential for further legislation in other states exists.

“The sentiment observed in mainstream crypto discussions suggests that HB1812 is viewed as a regulatory outlier with limited immediate effect on market dynamics.”