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Arkansas Senate Rejects Bill on Bitcoin Mining Near Military Bases Amid Security Concerns
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The Arkansas Senate has taken a significant step back from imposing restrictions on crypto mining near military facilities, prioritizing economic opportunities over security concerns.
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The defeat of Senate Bill 60 allows existing crypto mining operations to continue without restrictions, reflecting a growing acceptance of the blockchain industry in the state.
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“This act is immediately necessary in order to ensure the health and safety of the State of Arkansas and its citizens,” the rejected bill emphasized, highlighting the ongoing debate about crypto’s impact on security.
Arkansas legislators reject Senate Bill 60, allowing crypto mining operations to continue near military facilities while sparking national interest in digital asset rights.
Arkansas Lawmakers Say No to Crypto Mining Restrictions
Senate Bill 60, formally known as “To Prohibit a Digital Asset Mining Business from Being Located Within a Thirty-Mile Radius of a Military Facility,” was rejected on Thursday with a vote tally of 6-1, according to reports from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The bill, introduced by Senator Ricky Hill and Representative Brian S. Evans, aimed to address security risks posed by crypto mining in proximity to military installations.
While advocates for the bill contend that crypto mining presents significant economic opportunities, they also cited potential risks, particularly regarding national security. The proposed measure sought to mandate that any digital asset mining operations within a thirty-mile radius of military bases cease unless they secured permits from the Oil and Gas Commission before a deadline of December 31, 2024.
Legal Implications and Responses to the Bill’s Defeat
The bill pointed to numerous national security and health risks associated with digital asset mining. The language of the bill stated that “risks posed by digital asset mining include without limitation threats to national security and the security of the State of Arkansas,” indicating a serious concern among proponents about the implications of such facilities operating too close to military bases.
Although the legislation included provisions for ceasing the construction of mining facilities and allowed the Attorney General to investigate potential violations, the lack of support ultimately resulted in the bill’s failure. This outcome permits digital asset mining businesses to continue operations without the imposed constraints, further solidifying Arkansas’s position as an emerging hub for cryptocurrency activities.