Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB1901

Introduced
1/22/24  
Refer
1/25/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Refer
3/26/24  
Chaptered
4/17/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, relative to digital currency.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1901 will have significant implications for regulatory practices in Tennessee regarding digital financial transactions. The amendments to state law clarify that only privately issued digital currencies can fall under the definition of money, thus positioning the state to influence how businesses and individuals interact with non-government controlled digital currencies. This could encourage innovation in the fintech sector within Tennessee, as businesses may find clearer pathways to develop and implement digital payment solutions that conform to the new definitions established by the bill.

Summary

House Bill 1901, also known as the Digital Currency Act, is a legislative effort aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated to address the emerging landscape of digital currencies. The bill seeks to clarify the definition of 'money' to explicitly exclude central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) from the traditional definitions and classifications of currency. By distinguishing digital currencies issued by governmental authorities from other forms of money, the law aims to provide a clearer regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets that are not state-issued.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around HB 1901 appears to be supportive among financial technology proponents who advocate for regulatory clarity and growth in the digital currency space. Advocates suggest that such measures are necessary to harness the potential of cryptocurrencies while safeguarding consumers. However, there are concerns raised by some legislators regarding the implications of excluding CBDCs, which may affect the state's ability to adapt to future trends in digital finance as central banks worldwide explore their own digital currencies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1901 include debates about the potential long-term consequences of excluding CBDCs from the definition of money. Critics argue that this could limit the state's readiness to integrate with future digital currency frameworks, potentially leaving Tennessee businesses at a disadvantage compared to other jurisdictions that may embrace CBDC developments. Furthermore, the legislative discussion includes considerations on how this new definition impacts existing financial regulations and consumer protections in the state's evolving economic landscape.

Companion Bills

TN SB2219

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, relative to digital currency.

Previously Filed As

TN HB2060

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 45, relative to digital currencies.

TN SB2522

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 45, relative to digital currencies.

TN HB1441

The definition of United States central bank digital currency.

TN HB1441

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 51 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to specie legal tender, the taxation of specie legal tender, and United States central bank digital currencies; to amend and reenact section 41-01-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of United States central bank digital currency.

TN H3442

Central Bank Digital Currency ban

TN HB2505

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 29; Title 39; Title 45; Title 47 and Title 67, relative to virtual currency kiosks.

TN SB2251

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 29; Title 39; Title 45; Title 47 and Title 67, relative to virtual currency kiosks.

TN H3304

Banning Central Bank Digital Currency

TN SB1095

Central bank digital currency; ban

TN SB1432

central bank digital currency; ban

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.