Connecticut has officially banned the use of cryptocurrency within its state government following the signing of House Bill 7082 by Governor Ned Lamont. The new legislation, passed by both chambers of the state legislature, prohibits state agencies from accepting crypto payments or establishing a cryptocurrency reserve. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Introduced by Representative Jason Doucette, the bill also imposes regulatory requirements for cryptocurrency money transmitters operating in Connecticut. The measure directly contrasts with a growing number of U.S. states pursuing pro-crypto policies, including the establishment of Bitcoin reserves.

The move has sparked controversy, with critics calling it more symbolic than practical. Attorney Aaron Brogan noted that the law doesn’t introduce any significant regulatory changes and is more of a political stance than a functional policy. He said the bill is a signal that Connecticut is distancing itself from crypto-friendly states like Texas and New Hampshire, which have already approved state-backed crypto reserves.

The national debate around crypto has intensified since President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year to create a federal “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” and a “Digital Asset Stockpile.” While states such as South Dakota, Montana, and Pennsylvania have failed to advance similar legislation, others continue to push forward with crypto integration.

Connecticut’s decision places it among the states choosing to reject digital assets in government affairs, even as blockchain technology and crypto adoption gain momentum nationwide. This legislative divergence highlights a growing split in how U.S. states view the future role of cryptocurrency in public finance and policy.