- California Assembly approves AB 1180 to allow crypto for state payments.
- AB 1052 protects private crypto users, wallets, and digital asset rights.
- Senator Ben Allen supports stronger government focus on digital currency policies.
California is moving closer to becoming a crypto-friendly state. On June 2, the California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1180 (AB 1180) with a unanimous 68-0 vote. Such a law will allow different state departments to process digital currencies, for example Bitcoin, in order to settle state payments. Now, people will have a chance to debate the bill in the California Senate.
AB 1052 Advances to Protect Private Crypto Use and Custody
According to AB 1180, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) must establish clear rules. Because of these rules, individuals can now make state fee payments and execute transactions using cryptocurrency under the Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL). The main body dedicated to controlling financial services in California is the DFPI. The agency ensures consumers are looked after and that technology development is safe.
Prior to being passed, the bill was modified a number of times. A large amendment took out parts covering both ride-share providers and people using their private cars for rides. Because of this, the bill is now concentrated on crypto transactions under the DFAL alone.
In addition to AB 1180, Assembly Bill 1052 (AB 1052) is another crypto bill. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced the bill. The main purpose is to defend those who use digital assets for their own purposes and to sustain their right to keep private keys. On the 23rd of May, AB 1052 received an 11-0 vote by the Assembly committee. After this, the law will wait for another debate before it can move on.
The ban would take effect once AB 1052 is approved, stopping government bodies from restricting digital assets when used for payments. Protections are also provided for self-hosted wallets and hardware wallets. Besides, it handles matters of unclaimed digital property and sets rules for those in public roles who deal with digital currencies.
California Lawmakers Back Growing Interest in Crypto Policies
Meanwhile, interest in crypto policies is growing in California. There is an increasing number of leaders who are endorsing digital assets. As an example, state Senator Ben Allen supports giving more attention to crypto interests within the government.
Importantly, California is not alone in this shift. Some other places are introducing digital currency to be used by the public. The government of Louisiana began accepting crypto in September 2024 as payment for government work. According to Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming, people can now make payments using digital currencies for public services. This step shows Louisiana is forward-thinking about crypto.
Likewise, Panama City is growing more interested in Bitcoin. Las Vegas’s mayor, Mayer Mizrachi, gave updates about cryptocurrencies and blockchain at the Bitcoin 2025 conference. Talking about Bitcoin, he highlighted the work to bring it into the official financial system.
Dubai has also made big efforts to integrate crypto into its economy. Dubai’s Department of Finance sealed an agreement with Crypto.com in May. The agreement means government fees can be paid using digital currencies by citizens.
California has taken a strong step forwards with the approval of AB 1180. Louisiana, Panama and Dubai are only a few examples of countries joining those who are adopting crypto and California is following in their footsteps. If the bill is passed by the Senate, California can be a pioneer in digital payments and blockchain progress.
