Ohio Moves To Make Crypto Spending Easier With New Tax Exemption

Key Takeaways

•  The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at making crypto spending easier.
• Transactions under $200 would be exempt from capital gains taxes if the bill becomes law.
• The move reflects growing pro-crypto sentiment across U.S. states.

Ohio just took a big step toward making crypto more practical for everyday use.

On Wednesday, the Ohio House of Representatives passed the Blockchain Basics Act (HB 116) in a 70–26 vote.

The bill now heads to the state Senate for further review and, if approved, could become one of the most crypto-forward state laws in the U.S.

Ohio Passes Crypto-Friendly Bill to Ease Everyday Spending

At the heart of the bill is a provision to exempt crypto transactions under $200 from capital gains taxes, removing one of the biggest barriers to using digital assets for routine purchases.

The bill also blocks local governments from imposing extra taxes or fees on residents using crypto for legal services, adding another layer of protection for users.

Representative Steve Demetriou, the bill’s primary sponsor, described the legislation as a way to keep Ohio competitive in the digital economy:

“As digital commerce and privacy become even more important in the lives of Ohioans, it’s crucial to ensure that the blockchain and digital asset industries can thrive not just anywhere, but here in the Buckeye State.”

HB 116 is part of a broader legislative push to turn Ohio into a blockchain-friendly jurisdiction.

The state was among the first to explore a Bitcoin treasury, and now joins a growing number of states pushing for local crypto innovation.

States Compete in the Crypto Arms Race

Across the country, more states are jumping into the crypto game.

New Hampshire and Arizona have already passed legislation to allow state treasuries to hold Bitcoin, while Texas and Michigan are not far behind.

With the federal government warming up to digital assets, especially following the GENIUS Act’s Senate approval, many state governments see crypto not just as a trend, but as a strategic opportunity.

As these local efforts pick up steam, the U.S. could be heading toward a more harmonized, innovation-friendly crypto environment, starting with bills like Ohio’s.