RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative

Small state, big ideas. Bitcoin = money.

[RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative @RIBTCPolicy]

WATCH: Powerful #Bitcoin testimony, as our founder, Dan Hersey, testified in front of the @RISenate Finance Committee in favor of his bill (RI-S0451) in May. This bill will be re-introduced in 2026, along with a companion version in the @RIHouseofReps.

https://t.co/uXxeASsxV8

[Dan Hersey @DanHerseyRI]

PASSED: RI S2198 Sub A to establish Legislative Commission to study Blockchain & Cryptocurrency clears first hurdle in Senate AI/Emerging Tech Committee. Heading to the Senate floor.

[RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative @RIBTCPolicy]

Tomorrow, the @RISenate AI & Emerging Technology Committee is scheduled to vote on Substitute A to S2198, a resolution creating a Special Legislative Commission to study blockchain & cryptocurrency policy in Rhode Island.

Importantly, S2198 Sub A is a Senate Resolution, therefore it does not require House passage to take effect. The Rhode Island Senate passed a similar resolution unanimously last year.

https://t.co/4nXXcicmEJ

The substitute expands the commission from 5 members to 10 members, adding experts from:
• academia
• financial institutions
• federal securities law
• blockchain technology
• cryptocurrency

This updated structure strengthens the commission, broadens stakeholder representation, and clears a more direct pathway for Rhode Island to seriously study blockchain, Bitcoin, and digital asset policy.

Rhode Island is moving from ignoring these technologies to formally studying how to become a more forward-thinking and competitive state while balancing appropriate consumer protections.

Bravo to @SenLouDiPalma and others who have championed this undertaking.

@BitcoinMagazine @Bitcoin_Laws @bitcoinpolicy @standwithcrypto

[Congressman Nick Begich @RepNickBegich]

America’s reserves balance sheet is a critical component of our nation’s insurance policy, bolstering our currency and providing assurance during times of uncertainty. Over time, the prevailing sentiment as to what constitutes a durable store of value can shift, and as such it is important for us to recognize this fact and provide the flexibility needed to broaden America’s portfolio of reserve assets.  

The American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA) ensures digital assets in the possession of the federal government will be consolidated across government and protected as a reserve asset for future generations, protecting these assets from the whims of Congress or future administrations.

[Andrew Begin @agbegin]

⚓️ @SenJackReed Rhode Islander here. I urge you not to offer or support amendments that weaken BRCA’s protections for non-custodial developers, node operators, miners, validators, and wallet providers.

Weakening BRCA would stifle innovation, reduce freedom, and hurt everyday Americans.

Thank you for supporting CLARITY. Please keep developer protections intact.

[Dan Hersey @DanHerseyRI]

Why is a federal/state Bitcoin de minimis exemption important? It's all about removing friction. Treat digital money like money!

@bitcoinpolicy @Bitcoin_Laws @TheBitcoinConf @RIBitcoiners

[Dan Hersey @DanHerseyRI]

Remarkably good panel at @TheBitcoinConf discussing the impactful work going on at the state level regarding bitcoin policy.

Worth the watch with @Beiwatch, @RepDanaCriswell and @Arceris_btc.

https://t.co/GOQkyYhNcD

[Dan Hersey @DanHerseyRI]

That’s a wrap on @TheBitcoinConf 2026, but the collective work in RI and across the globe continues. Great to meet old friends and new ones in Vegas!

[The Real Estate Standard @REstandardPod]

Episode 17: Rhode Island: Punching Above Its Weight in the Bitcoin Economy

@kenny_alves , @ChrisDrz and @TimKotzman are joined by @DanHerseyRI , founder of the Rhode Island Bitcoin Policy Initiative, to discuss the current regulatory environment in the state, educating lawmakers on bitcoin and what it means for the future of the local economy and business community.

00:00 Intro
01:15 @westmainstorage stacking update
03:38 Dan’s background and @RIBTCPolicy
08:00 Legislative landscape in Rhode Island
20:05 Jurisdictional arbitrage
26:30 Educational priorities
32:32 BTC policy 301
46:25 Orange pilling RE investors
49:26 BRE Index
56:36 Closing thoughts

Find Dan on X @DanHerseyRI or https://t.co/5jhu8MZZs6

Interested in learning more about the concepts and strategies discussed DM us on X or email us at [email protected]

[Kenny Alves @kenny_alves]

Tune into the @REstandardPod tomorrow at 4:00PM EST on @X where we will discuss Rhode Island’s Bitcoin Future with @DanHerseyRI from @RIBTCPolicy

[RI Bitcoiners @RIBitcoiners]

Great Progress! They are asking the right questions! Education, Education, Education.

@RIBTCPolicy @RIBlockchain , #Educate, #Adopt,

[Dan Hersey @DanHerseyRI]

Looking forward to taking the stage (in just TWO WEEKS!) at @TheBitcoinConf with @Beiwatch @RepDanaCriswell and @Arceris_btc. A great panel highlighting the impactful bitcoin policy work being accomplished in our respective states.

[RI Bitcoiners @RIBitcoiners]

⚡️👀🥳Rhode Islands first Corporate Bitcoin Treasury? Well aint that something. Congrats to Middletowns @westmainstorage ! Humbly stacking since July 2025

@RIBTCPolicy @RIBlockchain

[RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative @RIBTCPolicy]

Rhode Island has more than 40 businesses (and growing!) that accept Bitcoin with @Square/@CashApp. It’s time for our laws to reflect treating digital money like money.

@RIHouseofReps @RISenate @Jackiebag @SenLouDiPalma @Victoria4RI @JamesDiossa @GovDanMcKee

[Dan Hersey @DanHerseyRI]

A beautiful day to advance bitcoin legislation in Rhode Island. Two bills on the docket in the Senate AI & Emerging Tech Committee. @RIBTCPolicy

@RIHouseofReps @RISenate
https://t.co/Ky0pa4od1c

[Tim Kotzman @TimKotzman]

https://t.co/6XDEmk4Nl9

[RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative @RIBTCPolicy]

Moody's has rated a bitcoin-backed bond issued by New Hampshire. This is an incredible era. Let's get Rhode Island to be second! @JamesDiossa @GovDanMcKee
https://t.co/Una7FIxSbH

[Miles 🌞 @milessuter]

We’re making it easier for millions of businesses to accept bitcoin.

Starting today, eligible U.S. @Square sellers will begin having Bitcoin payments automatically enabled.

Sellers who accept bitcoin will receive USD as default.

This is how bitcoin as everyday money begins.

[RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative @RIBTCPolicy]

@BitcoinConner It's what we're working on in Rhode Island, too!
https://t.co/FvGEWOykkF

[RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative @RIBTCPolicy]

ANNOUNCEMENT: Rhode Island will be taking the stage at @TheBitcoinConf! Our Founder @DanHerseyRI will be speaking on a panel titled "Making Impacts in Bitcoin Policy at The State Level".

With five RI Bitcoin/Blockchain related bills in consideration, it's the perfect time to share the outsized role we're playing when it comes to shaping sensible Bitcoin policy.

#Bitcoin2026

[RI Bitcoin Policy Initiative @RIBTCPolicy]

@SenBillCassidy A federal de minimis exemption would be a fantastic complimentary bill to our S.2021 in RI. Treat digital money like MONEY.

cc: @SenWhitehouse @SenJackReed

https://t.co/KcxLa362RG