Oklahoma and Kansas: Two states, one Bitcoin craze

Kansas and Oklahoma are leading the way in integrating Bitcoin into public finances through bills SB 352 and SB 2064, which authorize the creation of state reserves and the payment of salaries in digital assets.

The states of Kansas and Oklahoma have presented separate legislative initiatives, but they seek a common goal: a deep integration of Bitcoin into their financial structures. 

Through SB 352 and SB 2064, these states are pursuing measures ranging from the creation of strategic reserves based on Bitcoin to the possibility of public employees receiving their salaries in cryptocurrencies. Both legislative initiatives reflect a shift in the management of state assets and the adoption of cryptocurrencies, which are beginning to play an operational, rather than merely speculative, role in public finances.

Bitcoin as an alternative in Oklahoma state payrolls and commerce

The Oklahoma Senate is currently considering the Bill 2064Introduced by Senator Dusty Deevers, this legislation establishes a regulatory framework for public employees, suppliers, and private companies to voluntarily agree to payments in Bitcoin. 

Unlike other proposals, the text clarifies that it does not seek to declare Bitcoin as legal tender, thus avoiding conflicts with federal powers over coinage. Instead, it defines it as a financial instrument for the compensation of services and trade exchange.

If the bill is passed, state workers will be able to choose to receive part or all of their remuneration in Bitcoin, taking as a reference the market value at the beginning of the payment period or at the time of the transfer. 

According to the proposed law, the system allows for the use of self-custody wallets or accounts managed by third parties. Furthermore, the legislation also includes a regulatory incentive for digital-native companies, stipulating that those operating exclusively with virtual assets would be exempt from obtaining money transmission licenses, provided they do not convert these assets into US dollars.

Senator Deevers cited monetary inflation and the erosion of workers' purchasing power as the main reason for proposing wages in Bitcoin, a disruptive, decentralized, and internet-native asset, with a unique digital scarcityAccording to their argument, Bitcoin represents a decentralized digital tool whose limited supply can serve as a store of value in an economic environment increasingly dependent on monetary policy. 

"At a time when inflation is eroding the purchasing power of Oklahoma workers, Bitcoin offers a unique opportunity to protect profits and investments… As Bitcoin continues to rise and the value of the dollar continues to be printed in Washington DC, Oklahoma must act to protect our people."the senator emphasized. 

Kansas and the management of strategic reserves through digital assets

Meanwhile, in Kansas, the debate is taking place on Bill 352, spearheaded by Senator Craig Bowser. This initiative aims to creation of the "Bitcoin and Digital Assets Reserve Fund" under the administration of the State Treasury. 

Kansas' approach is distinctive because it does not propose the direct purchase of assets with taxpayer funds. Instead, it seeks to build this reserve by managing unclaimed digital assets and the profits generated by staking or network rewards, known as airdrops. 

The state's regulatory proposal also suggests modernizing the guidelines of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). This raises the possibility of allocate up to 10% of pension fund assets to Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).This measure would allow the state to gain exposure to the performance of the digital market through regulated financial instruments, while maintaining strict oversight through annual performance and risk reports submitted to the governor's office.

States continue to promote the integration of crypto into public administration

The convergence of these laws in the central United States signals a move toward systems where digital assets and traditional money coexist in government administration. While Oklahoma focuses on freedom of choice in salary collection and streamlining processes for state vendors, Kansas prioritizes protecting long-term value and updating its unclaimed property policies.

Both states have set implementation deadlines for late 2026 and early 2027, which includes the publication of clear tax guidelines for citizens. This formalization process aims to reduce legal and technical uncertainty, allowing blockchain technology to be integrated into the public treasury as a further component of regional economic diversification.