Indiana Governor Mike Braun officially signed HB 1042, also known as the Bitcoin Rights Bill, on the 4th. This law not only protects citizens’ rights to hold and mine digital assets but also includes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the state government’s employee retirement options.
According to reports, most provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, with the retirement plan investment options to be fully implemented by July 1, 2027.
The bill mandates that certain public retirement plans, including the Hoosier START program, teacher funds, and legislative defined contribution plans, must offer “self-directed brokerage accounts,” which must include at least one cryptocurrency investment option alongside stocks, bonds, and ETFs. This means public employees will have the freedom to choose Bitcoin as part of their long-term retirement planning.
Comprehensive Legal Protections: Prohibiting Discriminatory Taxation and Safeguarding Self-Custody
Beyond retirement reforms, the bill establishes multiple protections for individual rights. It explicitly prohibits the state government from imposing more burdensome “discriminatory taxes” or fees on cryptocurrency payments or holdings compared to traditional fiat currency, ensuring fair tax treatment for digital assets.
Regarding personal rights, the bill bans state agencies from restricting individuals’ self-custody of digital assets or limiting the use of cryptocurrencies for legitimate goods and services. Additionally, mining activities by businesses and individuals are protected by law; as long as they comply with relevant regulations, local governments cannot arbitrarily ban them.
Indiana Joins the Ranks of Cryptocurrency-Friendly States
The bill received bipartisan support, indicating that digital asset legislation is increasingly becoming a cross-party consensus in the U.S… Under the wave of pro-cryptocurrency sentiment sparked by Trump, Indiana follows Wyoming and Arizona to become one of the most crypto-friendly states in the country.
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