Indiana Lawmakers Call For Bitcoin Inclusion In Pension Plans

Indiana’s new bill could let state pensions buy Bitcoin ETFs while strengthening mining protections and expanding self-custody rights.

A new Bitcoin bill is gaining attention across the United States after Indiana lawmakers moved to expand crypto access. 

Bitcoin is now being discussed in relation to pensions, mining rights and digital asset ownership and if this bill passes, lawmakers say the plan will provide clearer rules and safer access to crypto through regulated products.

Pension access to crypto ETFs

The new filing would allow state-managed funds to invest in Bitcoin and other crypto ETFs. The filing, referred to as House Bill 1042 comes from State Representative Kyle Pierce, who filed it during a House Financial Institutions Committee session.

The proposal targets public retirement and savings plans, including teacher pensions and public employee funds. It also covers education savings plans like 529 accounts. 

However, the bill does not allow direct Bitcoin purchases, and merely allows the buying of regulated ETFs instead.

Lawmakers say ETFs reduce risk because they trade on regulated exchanges. This structure offers more transparency than direct token ownership.

Retirement officials took a neutral stance. They said low current demand exists from members. They also said ETF exposure could fit existing plans if proper risk warnings appear.

Coinbase, CoinGecko, and CoinMarketCap data already show rising interest in Bitcoin ETFs, and state-level access could open a new path for long-term exposure.

Strengthened protections for miners

The new bill also focuses on mining activity in terms of noise and bans on crypto payments.

Under the new bill, mining firms must meet clear sound limits, and this approach aims to balance business needs and community comfort.

The bill also blocks local bans on crypto payments and stops special taxes on crypto use. In all, lawmakers say these changes create better predictability as businesses can plan for the future and miners can invest in facilities without fear of sudden rule changes.

Rep. Kyle Pierce said Indiana wants to support innovation without strict limits. He also argued that balanced rules will help the industry while keeping order.

What To Expect

The bill has the potential to raise the long-term demand for Bitcoin. State funds would gain access to crypto ETFs, and this access would expand the asset’s investor base.

BlackRock recently purchased Bitcoin and Ethereum worth $589 million. That move showed strong institutional interest, and Indiana could follow a similar path on a smaller scale.

Michigan’s state retirement system also tripled its Bitcoin ETF holdings with regulatory filings showing over 300,000 shares. Wisconsin also disclosed over $387 million in Bitcoin ETF exposure.

These trends show steady growth in state-level participation, and Indiana could join Texas and Wyoming in offering clear rules.

Related Reading: South Korean Lawmakers Demand Stablecoin Bill Draft by Dec. 10

Indiana at the forefront of state crypto policy

The bill could make Indiana the first state to mandate Bitcoin exposure in public pensions. This step sets a strong example for other regions.

Arizona separately introduced a bill to allow Bitcoin ETFs in some retirement funds. Florida also outlined legal paths for holding digital assets through ETFs. However, neither state made access mandatory.

Ohio already accepts Bitcoin for some state payments. California updated its unclaimed property rules to protect crypto, and New York City created an Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain.

Each action shows growing interest in digital assets, with Indiana aiming to lead with a clear statewide standard.

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