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6/10/2026
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Senate approves Chairman DiPalma’s blockchain commission bill
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma that would create a special legislative commission to study the effects of blockchain and cryptocurrency in the state.
“Whether we like it or not, blockchain technology and cryptocurrency have arrived and their impact will continue to grow in our daily lives. It is imperative that the state is prepared to maximize this new technology’s effects for the betterment of Rhode Island and this commission is the first step in that preparation,” said Chairman DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton).
The legislation (2026-S 2198A) would create a 10-member special legislative study commission to recommend legislative proposals to encourage a positive economic environment and appropriate consumer protections for blockchain and cryptocurrency in Rhode Island.
The commission would study the following areas:
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Review data and information on the scope of blockchain and cryptocurrency throughout the country;
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Determine the current status of blockchain and cryptocurrency in relation to related laws in the state;
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Study non-fungible tokens, including the use, prevalence, function, and current regulation of non-fungible tokens;
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Solicit ideas and opinions from industry experts; and
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Compile an overview of potential legislation with recommendations on which legislation will help make this State the most forward thinking and pro-business state for blockchain and cryptocurrency and foster a positive economic environment for blockchain and cryptocurrency as well as appropriate consumer protections.
“Bitcoin and blockchain represent one of the most consequential financial and technological shifts of the century, and Rhode Island just made clear it intends to engage with this shift seriously rather than from the sidelines. Senator DiPalma and the bill’s cosponsors deserve credit for choosing to study instead of react. This commission will give Rhode Island a powerful voice in the national conversation on sensible digital asset policy,” said Dan Hersey, founder of the Rhode Island Bitcoin Policy Initiative.
“Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way we transact, conduct business, and collaborate globally. The launch of Rhode Island’s flagship Blockchain Commission is a pivotal step toward establishing our state as a forward-thinking, business friendly technology hub. As a blockchain entrepreneur and advocate of this commission, I’m proud to see Rhode Island leading the way. Let’s come together to revolutionize American innovation right here in the Ocean State,” said Courtney Tamaro, president of Stand with Crypto, Rhode Island Chapter.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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