North Carolina’s Senate has introduced Senate Bill 327, known as the ‘North Carolina Bitcoin Reserve and Investment Act’, which proposes to allow the state treasurer to invest up to 10% of the state’s general fund, approximately $950 million, into Bitcoin. This legislative move marks one of the first instances of a U.S. state considering direct investment in cryptocurrency, signaling a potential shift towards mainstream adoption of digital currencies in state financial strategies.
The bill outlines strict criteria for such investments, stipulating that any eligible cryptocurrency must have maintained a market capitalization of at least $750 billion over the past year—a threshold currently met only by Bitcoin. Investments would be conducted through regulated exchange-traded products, ensuring compliance with financial safeguards.
North Carolina joins a growing list of U.S. states exploring cryptocurrency investments. As of February 2025, nearly two dozen states have introduced legislation to establish strategic Bitcoin reserves, reflecting a significant shift in how public funds approach cryptocurrency. For instance, Utah’s House of Representatives recently passed a bill authorizing the state treasurer to invest in Bitcoin and stablecoins, pending Senate approval. Similarly, New Mexico has introduced Senate Bill 57, proposing to allocate 5% of the state’s public funds into Bitcoin.
This trend aligns with broader national discussions on cryptocurrency adoption. President Donald Trump has advocated for incorporating Bitcoin into national reserves, encouraging exploration of crypto asset stockpiling. Additionally, financial institutions like Morgan Stanley are considering offering crypto trading services, indicating a growing acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance.
However, these initiatives have sparked debate. Critics argue that the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies could pose significant risks to public funds, traditionally invested in more stable assets. For example, Texas’s proposal to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has faced criticism for potentially exposing taxpayer money to the unpredictable cryptocurrency market. Despite these concerns, the increasing number of states considering Bitcoin investments suggests a growing acceptance of digital assets in public finance.