Ohio Lawmakers Pitch Their State As a Future Hub for Blockchain

Lawmakers in the U.S. state of Ohio say they are interested in blockchain – but they're still figuring out how to put that enthusiasm into action.

AccessTimeIconAug 24, 2018 at 1:15 p.m. UTC
Updated Aug 18, 2021 at 9:41 p.m. UTC

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

Lawmakers in the U.S. state of Ohio say they are interested in blockchain – but they're still figuring out how to put that enthusiasm into action.

At a press conference on Aug. 23, Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Ryan Smith convened a group that included lawmakers, business owners and academics to discuss the Buckeye State's intent to attract both blockchain developers and companies.

  • Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
    13:18
    Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
  • Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
    05:10
    Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
  • The first video of the year 2024
    04:07
    The first video of the year 2024
  • The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    40:07
    The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
  • Though no specific legislation related to blockchain was proposed, Smith said that he saw the technology as widely applicable in the public sector, including uses cases like the storage of birth certificates and marriage licenses in order to make those kinds of data more secure.

    Furthermore, Smith contended that by working with universities closely, students can hone their expertise on blockchain before they graduate and start their careers. Ultimately, he is seeking to position Ohio as a possible hub for companies working with the tech.

    Smith said:

    "Because this is so new and this is just beginning to take shape, we can position Ohio out front."

    As CoinDesk reported previously, Ohio introduced a bill back in May which sought to treat blockchain data and smart contracts as electronic records, as an effort to make the state a safe harbor for blockchain.

    That measure was ultimately approved and signed by Gov. John Kasich, making Ohio one of a growing number of states that recognize the legal status of data stored on blockchain.

    Ohio state capitol image via Shutterstock

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.



    Read more about