Indiana legislature passes Bitcoin rights bill, awaiting governor's signature.

PANews reported on February 26th that, according to The Block , the Indiana legislature passed the cryptocurrency regulation and investment bill HB 1042 , which is awaiting final signature by Governor Mike Braun . The bill requires several state-managed retirement and savings plans (including the Legislative Pension Plan, the Hoosier START college savings plan, and some public servant and teacher retirement funds) to provide participants with self-managed brokerage accounts that include at least one cryptocurrency investment option. Furthermore, except for financial institution regulators, other public institutions are prohibited from restricting individuals from using cryptocurrencies to pay for legitimate goods and services, or from restricting individuals from holding digital assets through self-custody or hardware wallets. The bill also prohibits the imposition of special taxes on crypto activities, distinct from other financial transactions. If signed, it will take effect on July 1, 2026 .