Public Policy: What’s Happening in West Virginia

The Mountain State is stepping into the digital era with legislative momentum grounded in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. Here's what’s currently moving through the State Capitol:

📜 D.U.N.A. Act (SB 670)

  • Introduced: January 29, 2026, by Senate Majority Leader Patrick Martin

  • Passed: March 14, 2026

  • Approved by Governor: April 1, 2026

  • Purpose: Article 13 of SB 670, the Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act, is a legal framework for decentralized organizations that expressly recognizes digital assets, distributed ledger technology, and blockchain-based governance.

✅  House Bill 5353 (HB 5353)

  • Introduced: February 9, 2026, by House Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Criss

  • Passed: March 14, 2026

  • Approved by Governor: April 1, 2026

  • Purpose: The law creates a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency kiosks requiring operators to: classify as money transmitters, obtain annual licenses, and adhere to disclosure and refund protocols.

🪙 F.A.S.T. Act (SB 560)

  • Introduced: January 21, 2026, by Senator Brian Helton; the bill was introduced in the House Judiciary as HB 5461 on February 12, 2026 by Delegate Tristan Leavitt.

  • Passed: SB 560 passed a vote in the Senate on February 25, 2026

  • Purpose: The Financial Accountability Stable Token Act allows the State Treasurer to authorize qualifying stablecoin payments to state vendors and contractors.

🗳️ House Concurrent Resolution 4 (HCR 4)

  • Introduced: January 20, 2026, by House Delegate Daniel Linville

  • Committee Vote: January 30, 2026, HCR 4 passed a vote in the Energy & Public Works Committee

  • Purpose: Requesting the Joint Committee on Technology & Infrastructure to establish a Genesis Working Group to coordinate statewide planning for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, digital infrastructure, and energy-based economic development.

  • WVBF Engagement: WVBF led policy research and drafting support related to House Concurrent Resolution 4, an initiative examining the economic development opportunities for West Virginia through emerging technologies.

💰 Inflation Protection Act of 2026 (SB 143)

  • Introduced: January 14, 2026, by Senator Chris Rose

  • Purpose: Authorizes the West Virginia Board of Treasury to invest up to 10% of public funds in digital assets (with a threshold of US $750 billion market cap, currently only Bitcoin qualifies), precious metals, or stablecoins.

  • Custody & Operations: Investments may be held on-chain, via qualified custodians, or in exchange-traded products; the state may engage in staking or loaning assets if it does not increase financial risk.

This initiative positions West Virginia as part of a growing cohort of states embracing Bitcoin reserves as a hedge against inflation and potential central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

🏗️ Data Centers & Microgrids (HB 2014)

  • Passed: April 12, 2025

  • Approved by Governor: April 30, 2025

  • Purpose: Empowers designated “high-impact” data centers to bypass local zoning ordinances for microgrid deployment, supporting critical infrastructure development in rural counties.

While not directly crypto-related, this law lays critical groundwork for clean energy-powered data infrastructure, essential for supporting mining, DePIN deployments, and tech-enabled economic diversification.

🤖 AI Regulation & Task Forces

  • HB 3214 (2023): Launched the ROAD Pilot Program, leveraging AI to assess and optimize road maintenance statewide.

  • HB 5690 (2024): Created a state AI Task Force within the Office of Technology. The Task Force is tasked with defining AI, identifying public-sector use cases, drafting best practices, and recommending consumer and data protections.

  • HR 3 (2024): Established the AI Select Committee within the House of Delegates, charged with broader oversight of AI impacts in areas like government, labor, and education.

  • SB 198 (2025): Makes the creation, possession, or distribution of AI-generated child pornography a felony, closing a critical legal gap in West Virginia law. Attorney General J.B. McCuskey affirmed the state’s ability to regulate AI even amid potential federal restrictions.

🔍 WVBF’s Policy Alignment Strategy

  • Monitor bill progress and engage legislative allies

  • Educate the public and policymakers on Web3 tools and decentralized infrastructure

  • Advocate for smart legislation reflecting rural needs (e.g. energy sovereignty, digital inclusion)

  • Pilot technology projects aligned with existing frameworks—especially in counties with infrastructure momentum

🔭 Looking Ahead

The 2026 legislative session marked an important moment for blockchain policy in West Virginia. For the first time, multiple bills addressing digital assets and blockchain technology were introduced across both chambers of the Legislature.

While only one bill ultimately passed, the breadth of proposals signals a growing recognition among lawmakers that blockchain technology, Bitcoin, and digital infrastructure could play a meaningful role in the state’s economic future.

WVBF stands ready to help shape these conversations through research briefs, stakeholder engagement, and public education.

This page reflects legislative activity as of May 2026. WVBF will update this page as bills evolve or new laws are enacted.