Texas Blockchain Council
The Texas Blockchain Council is an industry association made up of companies and individuals that work in a variety of industries that are connected to Bitcoin, crypto and blockchain technology, promoting the interests of member companies. They exist to amalgamate the influence of members to advocate for blockchain-centric public policy initiatives, to educate members of government about the benefits of blockchain technology, and to provide subject matter expertise on topics related to blockchain and distributed ledger technology. The TBC frequently works with policy makers, such as TX Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, TX Senator Angela Paxton, TX Representative Tan Parker, TX Representative Giovanni Capriglione to expand blockchain innovation in Texas.
President of the Texas Blockchain Council, Lee Bratcher and the TBC worked closely with Representative Tan Parker and Senator Angela Paxton to help guide both HB 1576 & HB 4474 to Governor Abbott’s desk.
Policy
Texas HB 1576; Relating to the creation of a work group on blockchain matters concerning this state. Introduced in House on May 6th, 2021. Passed House April 23rd, 2021. Passed Senate May 19th, 2021. Became Law June 7th, 2021. Bill Sponsors: Rep. Tan Parker, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, Rep. John H. Bucy III, Rep. Angie Chen Button, Rep. Terry Wilson, Sen. Angela Paxton[1]
Texas HB 4474; Relating to the control of virtual currency and the rights of purchasers who obtain control of virtual currency for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code. Introduced in House on May 13th, 2021. Passed House May 11th, 2021. Passed Senate May 27th, 2021. Became Law June 15th, 2021. Bill Sponsors: Rep. Tan Parker, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, Rep. Terry Wilson, Sen. Angela Paxton, Rep. Rafael Anchia, Rep. Mary Ann Perez, Rep. Phil Stephenson,[2]
Notable Dates
On October 8th, 2021, the Texas Blockchain Council hosted the inaugural Texas Blockchain Summit, featuring speakers Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis and SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce.[3]
On October 13th, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott hosted the Texas Blockchain Council at the Governor’s Mansion and boasted that Texas would soon “be #1 for blockchain & cryptocurrency” among US states. These tweets echoed thoughts from Senator Ted Cruz, who stated at the council’s annual summit that he would like to “see Texas become the center of the universe for Bitcoin and crypto.”[4]
On February 8th, 2022 the Texas Blockchain Council endorsed Greg Abbott for Texas Governor.[5]
On April 26th, 2022, The Texas Blockchain Council donated 3 S9 Asic Bitcoin Miners to the City of Fort Worth making them the first City in the United States to mine Bitcoin.[6]
References
- ↑ "HB 1576 - Texas House (87) - Open States". https://openstates.org/tx/bills/87/HB1576/.
- ↑ "HB 4474 - Texas House (87) - Open States". https://openstates.org/tx/bills/87/HB4474/.
- ↑ Innovates, Dallas (October 5, 2021). "The Texas Blockchain Summit Will Feature Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Other Cryptocurrency Boosters". https://dallasinnovates.com/the-texas-blockchain-summit-will-feature-senators-john-cornyn-and-ted-cruz-and-other-cryptocurrency-boosters/.
- ↑ VerMeulen, Michael (May 2, 2022). "Crypto Clout: How the Blockchain is Expanding its Influence on Texas Politics". https://texassignal.com/crypto-clout-how-the-blockchain-is-expanding-its-influence-on-texas-politics/.
- ↑ Carter, Simone. "Gov. Greg Abbott Wants More Bitcoin Industry in Texas. Experts Fear It Could Hurt the Grid.". https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/gov-greg-abbott-sen-ted-cruz-want-cryptocurrency-businesses-in-texas-but-experts-fear-it-could-strain-the-power-grid-13383386.
- ↑ Sigalos, MacKenzie (April 26, 2022). "Fort Worth is the first city in the U.S. to mine bitcoin, and will run mining rigs out of city hall". https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/26/fort-worth-tx-the-first-city-in-the-us-to-mine-bitcoin.html.
