Exploring Virginia Blockchain Council's Legislative Agenda for Blockchain Advancements in 2025 and 2
Exploring Virginia Blockchain Council’s Legislative Agenda for 2025 & 2026
Virginia stands again on the cusp of sweeping policy updates that will shape the Commonwealth’s blockchain economy for the rest of the decade. The current agenda focuses on studies already in statute and new bills now moving through the Capitol.
Where Virginia’s blockchain bills stand today
1. Green-minded Mining Study – SB 339 (now law)
What it does: tells the state tech commission (JCOTS) to look at jobs, power use, and security around crypto mining and blockchain. Next step: JCOTS must hand in a report by Dec 1 2024. That report will feed a 2026 bill that rewards miners who run on clean energy. law.lis.virginia.gov
2. Future Blockchain Commission – SB 439 (now law)
What it does: orders JCOTS to design a standing state body that keeps our rules up-to-date. Your voice in the room: VBC president Greg Leffel was appointed this spring to the new JCOTS Blockchain Advisory Committee, so the Council has a seat at the table. law.lis.virginia.gov linkedin.com
3. DAO Bill – HB 1796 (passed, but not final yet)
What it does: lets any Virginia LLC “flip” into a decentralized-autonomous-organization (DAO) run by smart contracts. Status: cleared both chambers in February 2025 but has a “reenactment clause,” meaning lawmakers will vote one more time in 2026 after they read the JCOTS study. lis.virginia.gov
4. Innovation Sandbox 2.0 –new bill in the works
What it aims to do: create one test-bed where blockchain, AI, and IoT startups can pilot real-world projects with lighter red tape (instead of today’s health-care-only sandbox). Draft language is scheduled for pre-filing in Nov 2025. lis.virginia.gov
Get involved: Join our Advocacy Working Group or attend the next JCOTS Blockchain Subcommittee hearing (19 Sept 2025) to help shape the final recommendations.
