Blockchain
Louisiana signs bill to ban CBDCs, protect right to self-custody and mine crypto
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed a significant bill, HB 488, on June 19, which sets forth comprehensive regulations to prohibit central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and protect cryptocurrency mining activities within the state. This legislative action is a crucial step in defining the state’s stance on digital currencies and mining practices.
Key Provisions of HB 488
Prohibition of CBDCs
The bill explicitly prevents governing authorities from accepting or mandating payments in CBDCs. It also restricts participation in any CBDC pilot programs or tests conducted by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors or other federal entities. This prohibition reflects a clear stance against the integration of federally controlled digital currencies into the state’s financial systems.
Crypto Acceptance and Self-Custody Rights
HB 488 guarantees that individuals and businesses have the right to:
Accept cryptocurrencies for legal goods and services.
Self-custody cryptocurrencies in non-custodial and hardware wallets.
This provision ensures that residents can freely use and manage cryptocurrencies without external interference.
Crypto Mining and Node Operation
The bill outlines specific rules for crypto mining and node operations:
Home Crypto Mining: Protected as long as it adheres to local noise ordinances.
Commercial Crypto Mining: Permitted in industrial-zoned areas, provided it complies with all relevant ordinances.
Operating a node to connect to a blockchain protocol, transferring crypto on the protocol, and staking on the protocol are all declared legal under the new law. These measures promote the growth of blockchain activities while ensuring they are conducted responsibly.
Regulatory and Security Measures
Louisiana’s attorney general is empowered to act against fraud and other violations related to mining and staking services. Additionally, participants in these activities must comply with federal and state securities laws. This enforcement capability is designed to safeguard the integrity of the state’s crypto ecosystem.
Restrictions on Foreign Control
The bill prohibits foreign entities from controlling digital mining businesses and mandates existing foreign-controlled businesses to divest by August 2025. Non-compliance could result in civil penalties up to $1 million or 25% of the foreign party’s interest in the business, ensuring that control of mining activities remains within acceptable regulatory boundaries.
Implementation Timeline
The bill amends existing state law and will come into effect on August 1.
Broader Legislative Context
Louisiana is not alone in its legislative efforts concerning cryptocurrency:
Oklahoma: Passed a bill in May to protect crypto miners and the self-custody of crypto.
Montana: Enacted a law banning local governments from prohibiting crypto mining.
Arkansas: Imposed and permitted restrictions on crypto mining through recent legislation.
Moreover, several states are considering laws addressing CBDCs. As of February, 11 states had pending legislation to either block state acceptance of CBDCs, reject CBDCs as legal tender, or prohibit participation in federal CBDC trials.
Federal Developments
On the federal level, the US House of Representatives passed a bill to prevent the Federal Reserve from creating and issuing a CBDC without Congressional approval. The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate.
Louisiana’s HB 488 represents a robust regulatory framework aimed at fostering a favorable environment for cryptocurrency usage and mining while safeguarding against federal overreach through CBDCs. As states continue to navigate the evolving landscape of digital currencies, Louisiana’s proactive measures may serve as a model for balancing innovation with regulatory oversight.
Source: cryptoslate.com
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 30, 2025 (Dogecoin, U.S. Army, DeepSeek, Web3)
Introduction
The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, with major advancements in institutional adoption, regulatory modernization, and innovative applications. Today’s roundup covers Dogecoin’s new blockchain strategy, the U.S. Army’s use of blockchain for tracking aid, notable blockchain startups, domain challenges for Web3 companies, the first AI blockchain agent, and Luxembourg’s legal updates for custody chains. Let’s break down the biggest headlines shaping the future of blockchain technology and decentralized finance.
Dogecoin Unveils Strategic Blockchain Movement
Expanding Beyond a Meme Coin
Dogecoin, often viewed as a lighthearted cryptocurrency, is making serious strides toward blockchain utility with a new strategic initiative aimed at expanding its use case beyond simple transactions. The Dogecoin Foundation has announced plans to integrate layer-2 solutions, smart contracts, and interoperability features, potentially positioning DOGE as a serious competitor in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
This move signals a shift in the perception of Dogecoin, which has long relied on community-driven momentum. With the new strategy, DOGE could become an integral part of the growing Web3 ecosystem.
Source: Crypto Briefing
U.S. Army Utilizes Blockchain for Aid Tracking in Ukraine
Military Adopts Emerging Tech for Transparency
The U.S. Army is leveraging blockchain, big data, and generative AI to track billions of dollars in aid sent to Ukraine. This marks a significant step in blockchain’s adoption by governments and defense agencies to enhance transparency and prevent fraud.
By using blockchain for immutable record-keeping, military officials aim to improve logistics tracking, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure secure auditing of aid distribution. This could set a precedent for future government adoption of blockchain-based verification systems.
Source: Breaking Defense
10 Blockchain Startups to Watch in 2025
Innovation Driving the Next Wave of Web3
A new report highlights ten emerging blockchain startups poised to disrupt industries from finance to supply chain management. These companies are working on scalable smart contracts, decentralized identity solutions, and improved cross-chain interoperability.
Among the standout names are startups focusing on privacy-preserving transactions, institutional DeFi tools, and real-world asset tokenization, reinforcing blockchain’s growing role in mainstream finance and enterprise adoption.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Web3 Companies Struggle with Domain Name Challenges
Decentralization vs. Traditional Domain Ownership
As blockchain companies push forward with Web3 adoption, many are encountering significant hurdles in securing relevant domain names. Unlike traditional domains governed by ICANN, blockchain-native domains such as .crypto and .eth exist outside standard regulatory frameworks, leading to disputes and accessibility issues.
Industry experts are calling for greater collaboration between blockchain projects and domain registrars to ensure seamless Web3 adoption while maintaining online accessibility for users.
Source: Domain Name Wire
Klaus Agent Becomes the First Blockchain AI to Use Custom DeepSeek Model
AI and Blockchain Converge
The Klaus Agent, an AI-powered blockchain agent, has integrated the DeepSeek AI model to enhance decision-making, smart contract automation, and decentralized application (dApp) intelligence. This innovation represents a major step in merging artificial intelligence with blockchain networks, allowing for more sophisticated automation in DeFi, NFT trading, and DAO governance.
As AI and blockchain continue to converge, the potential for autonomous smart contract execution and predictive analytics is expected to grow, leading to more efficient decentralized systems.
Source: GlobeNewswire
Luxembourg Modernizes Custody Chain Laws for Blockchain
A Legal Framework for Tokenized Assets
Luxembourg, a key financial hub in Europe, has updated its custody chain regulations to accommodate blockchain-based assets. These changes are designed to facilitate institutional adoption of tokenized securities and digital asset custody solutions.
By providing a clear regulatory framework, Luxembourg aims to attract fintech firms, investment funds, and digital asset custodians, further strengthening its position as a leader in blockchain finance.
Source: National Law Review
Conclusion
The latest blockchain developments underscore the rapid evolution of the industry, from Dogecoin’s strategic shift to military adoption of blockchain for transparency. As AI and blockchain begin to merge, and governments refine regulations, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in decentralized technology.
With institutional interest growing and regulatory frameworks taking shape, blockchain and Web3 technologies are moving closer to mainstream acceptance. Stay tuned for the next Blocks & Headlines briefing as we continue to track the most significant trends shaping the future of decentralized finance and digital assets.
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Blockchain
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Blockchain
From Apes to Humans: ApeChain Joins Humanity Protocol’s zkProofer Network to Scale Proof of Humanity
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