Louisiana Bitcoin Reserves and Cryptocurrency Laws

Louisiana Bitcoin Reserves and Cryptocurrency Legislation

Louisiana Bitcoin Reserve Overview

No Official Reserves
Friendly Regulatory Status
Pro-Bitcoin Rights and Payment Adoption

Louisiana Bitcoin Reserves

Louisiana Legislative Breakdown

State	BTC Reserves	% of Global Holdings	Legal Status	Last Updated	Key Laws and Regulations
Louisiana (LA)	No Official Reserves	0%	Friendly	2025-03-31	HB 488 (2024): Protects right to self-custody, trade, and use Bitcoin; bans CBDCs; passed unanimously Virtual Currency Businesses Act (2020, effective 2023): Requires licensing for crypto businesses with 1:1 reserve requirements Act 341 (2020): Recognizes blockchain-based records and smart contracts as legally binding State accepts Bitcoin payments for services via Lightning Network (since September 2024) No state income tax; federal capital gains tax (15–20%) applies to crypto earnings ~120,000 residents (~2.5% of population) use crypto; $2.5B in transactions (2023–2024, est.) Approximately 20 Bitcoin ATMs, primarily in New Orleans and Baton Rouge (2024) No legislation for state-held Bitcoin reserves as of 2025

Louisiana Bitcoin Reserve Status

Current status: NO OFFICIAL RESERVES

Louisiana has not established a state Bitcoin reserve, and no legislation for such a reserve has been proposed as of 2025. The state is a leader in crypto adoption, with HB 488 (2024) protecting Bitcoin rights and banning CBDCs, and the acceptance of Bitcoin payments for state services since September 2024. Louisiana’s regulatory framework supports crypto innovation while ensuring compliance through licensing.

No funds have been allocated for Bitcoin reserves. Louisiana focuses on promoting individual Bitcoin use and integrating crypto payments into state operations rather than holding state-managed reserves.

9/1/2024

CRYPTO PAYMENTS ENABLED

Louisiana began accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for state services, including taxes and fees, via the Bitcoin Lightning Network, becoming one of the first U.S. states to do so.

6/24/2024

SIGNED INTO LAW

HB 488 was enacted unanimously, protecting the right to self-custody, trade, and use Bitcoin, and prohibiting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the state.

1/1/2023

LICENSING EFFECTIVE

The Virtual Currency Businesses Act, enacted in 2020, took effect, requiring licensing for crypto businesses with 1:1 reserve requirements to ensure consumer protection.

8/1/2020

SIGNED INTO LAW

Act 341 was enacted, recognizing blockchain-based records and smart contracts as legally binding, fostering blockchain innovation.

Louisiana Bitcoin Reserves and Cryptocurrency Legislation

Louisiana Bitcoin Reserve Overview