SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California moved closer to embracing cryptocurrency for government transactions as the State Assembly unanimously passed Assembly Bill 1180 (AB 1180) in a 68-0 vote, according to FX Leaders.
The bill would allow state agencies to accept digital currencies for payments, reflecting California’s growing openness to blockchain-based financial technology. It now heads to the Senate for consideration, FX Leaders said.
AB 1180 directs the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) to develop regulations for using cryptocurrencies to pay state fees and complete transactions, under the framework of the Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL). The DFPI oversees financial services and consumer protection in California, and requires crypto businesses to be licensed, FX Leaders noted.
If approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the measure would take effect on July 1, 2026.