In a landmark development for cryptocurrency rights in the United States, Texas has taken the lead with an overwhelming legislative vote to include digital assets like Bitcoin in its state constitution. The proposed Bill HJR 146 passed the Texas House with a resounding 139-to-2 majority, signaling strong bipartisan support for financial freedom and privacy. If fully ratified, this measure would constitutionally protect Texans' right to use cryptocurrency, shielding them from government overreach and setting a powerful precedent nationwide.
What Is Bill HJR 146?
Introduced by Texas Representative Giovani Capriglione, Bill HJR 146 seeks to amend the Texas Bill of Rights to explicitly recognize individuals’ rights to own, hold, and use any mutually agreed-upon medium of exchange—including cash, gold, digital currency, or other forms of value.
“People have the right to own, hold, and use any form of money or currency—including digital currency—as a medium of exchange in transactions and contracts.”
— Proposed language from Bill HJR 146
This constitutional protection mirrors foundational liberties like free speech and religious freedom, placing financial autonomy on equal footing. Once approved by both chambers of the legislature, the amendment will go directly to voters for final ratification—a rare but powerful democratic process ensuring public endorsement.
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Why This Matters: Protecting Financial Privacy and Autonomy
At its core, this initiative is about preserving individual sovereignty over personal wealth. Advocates argue that without constitutional safeguards, citizens risk being forced into centralized financial systems—particularly those tied to a potential Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)—where every transaction could be monitored, restricted, or even reversed by authorities.
Tom Glass, founder of the Texas Constitutional Enforcement Group, emphasized that embedding cryptocurrency rights into the state constitution invokes the Ninth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: the recognition that unenumerated rights still exist beyond those explicitly listed.
“By codifying the right to use digital currency at the state level, we’re creating a legal firewall against federal overreach,” Glass explained. “This isn’t just about Bitcoin—it’s about protecting the principle of private, voluntary exchange.”
The movement also highlights growing concerns about monetary instability. With inflation eroding savings and centralized financial institutions exerting increasing control, many Texans see cryptocurrency as a tool for wealth preservation and financial independence.
“Unstable fiat currency threatens the life savings of hardworking Texans. We must not allow global financial elites to force us into a single, surveilled system vulnerable to devaluation and confiscation.”
— Texas Constitutional Enforcement Group
Fighting CBDC Surveillance with Constitutional Clarity
While some policymakers push for a U.S. digital dollar, critics—including Senator Ted Cruz—have voiced alarm over the potential for mass surveillance and loss of privacy. Cruz recently warned that proponents of a CBDC often oppose cash and Bitcoin because both enable anonymous, peer-to-peer transactions outside government control.
Bill HJR 146 offers a proactive alternative: rather than banning central bank digital currencies outright, it renders them functionally irrelevant by guaranteeing citizens the right to choose their preferred form of money. In practice, this means no future law could compel Texans to use a government-issued digital currency.
This approach aligns with broader efforts across the U.S. to resist financial centralization. By enshrining digital currency rights in the constitution, Texas positions itself as a bastion of innovation and liberty in the evolving global economy.
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Beyond Bitcoin: Texas Embraces Energy Innovation in Crypto Mining
Texas isn’t stopping at legal protections. The state has also become a national leader in sustainable cryptocurrency mining practices through House Bill 591, which allows miners to utilize flare gas—natural gas that would otherwise be burned off or released into the atmosphere.
This innovative policy reduces carbon emissions by up to 63%, turning waste energy into productive computational power. Miners gain access to low-cost, off-grid energy sources, while oil producers reduce environmental impact and regulatory penalties.
The Texas Comptroller estimates that widespread adoption could save millions in wasted resources annually. Moreover, the state sees economic benefits: job creation, infrastructure investment, and increased tax revenue from a booming tech sector.
“[This] is industry coming together to create economic activity, jobs, and tax revenue while reducing carbon emissions,” said one legislative analyst familiar with the bill.
Even the World Economic Forum (WEF) has acknowledged the potential of such technologies, recently promoting Crusoe Energy’s work in repurposing flare gas for computing—though without explicitly naming cryptocurrency applications.
A Gold-Backed Digital Currency on the Horizon?
In another bold move, Texas lawmakers are exploring the creation of a state-backed digital currency fully redeemable in physical gold. Proposed by Representative Mark Dorazio in March, this initiative aims to provide a stable, transparent alternative to volatile fiat and crypto markets.
If passed, the program would establish a secure digital platform enabling residents to transact using gold-backed tokens. Users could redeem their balances either in physical gold or equivalent monetary value, managed by the state comptroller or an authorized third party.
Estimated implementation costs range from $25 million for a limited pilot system to $100 million for a full-scale transaction network. While still in early stages, the proposal reflects Texas’ long-term vision: building a resilient, diversified financial ecosystem rooted in tangible value.
FAQ: Your Questions About Texas’ Crypto Rights Movement
Q: What does it mean to add cryptocurrency rights to the Texas Bill of Rights?
A: It means that using digital currencies like Bitcoin would be constitutionally protected, making it illegal for any government entity in Texas to ban or restrict such use.
Q: Will this make Bitcoin legal tender in Texas?
A: Not exactly. Legal tender refers to currency that must be accepted for debt repayment. This bill protects your right to use crypto voluntarily in contracts and transactions—not requiring others to accept it.
Q: How close is this bill to becoming law?
A: After passing the House with strong support, Bill HJR 146 must pass a second House vote, then win approval in the Senate before going to voters in a statewide referendum.
Q: Could other states follow Texas’ lead?
A: Absolutely. Similar movements are gaining traction in Florida, Wyoming, and Tennessee. Texas’ action could catalyze a wave of state-level crypto protections nationwide.
Q: Does this conflict with federal regulations?
A: No—it complements them. States have broad authority over constitutional rights within their borders. This measure doesn’t override federal law but strengthens individual protections under state law.
Q: Is there a risk of increased fraud or illegal activity?
A: The bill focuses on ownership and use rights, not deregulation. Existing anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules still apply.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Financial Freedom
Texas is sending a clear message: financial choice is a fundamental right. By advancing Bill HJR 146 and supporting innovative policies around energy and monetary design, the Lone Star State is positioning itself at the forefront of America’s digital economy revolution.
From protecting privacy to promoting sustainable innovation, these initiatives reflect a broader shift toward decentralized, user-controlled finance. As debates over CBDCs and financial surveillance intensify, Texas offers a compelling model—rooted in constitutional principles—for how states can defend economic liberty in the 21st century.
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