ambcrypto.com
The United States has always been the highlight of the cryptocurrency space in terms of its regulation, with some states introducing laws in its favor and others deciding to not make an official stance. In terms of laying crypto-friendly rules and regulation, Wyoming has always been one of the most recognized state, while the most hostile one is deemed to be New York.
Colorado made headlines earlier this year, with the Digital Token Act that exempts utility tokens from state securities law being signed by the governor in early March 2019. Notably, in the same month, Wyoming State Senate also passed House Bill 70, Utility Token Bill.
Now, another state has joined the bandwagon by making a similar move. Drew Hinkes, Attorney at Carlton Fields, stated that the State of Montana recognizes utility tokens and exempts it from state securities law. The initial announcement pertaining to this bill was made in February 2019, where Montana House Bill was introduced to “Generally revise laws relating to cryptocurrency”.
The Attorney stated on Twitter,
#Montana law recognizes #utility tokens & creates state #securities exemptions. h/t to @CaitlinLong_ for kicking off the the Rocky Mountain #Crypto Legislative Revolution https://t.co/9ZloIlPLIx pic.twitter.com/ibxcBkxo2f
— Drew Hinkes (@propelforward) May 23, 2019
To this, Caitlin Long, the Co-Founder of Wyoming Blockchain Coalition stated,
“Congrats to
#Montana for joining#Wyoming &#Colorado in recognizing that#utilitytokens are not securities under state law!”
Montana also made headlines because of news pertaining to cryptocurrency mining regulation. According to a local news portal, Missoula County commissioners had directed its staff to outline an interim law that regulates the cryptocurrency mining industry. The decision to introduce laws on crypto-mining was made due to concerns pertaining to electricity consumption, with the county prompting the use of renewable energy for mining.
Commissioner Cola Rowley had stated,
“This isn’t throwing ice on economic development or saying that industries aren’t welcome here because we’re an unfriendly environment that hates progress. Cryptocurrency and economic development – bringing businesses here – are two very different things.”