Oklahoma proposes Bitcoin payments for state employees and vendors, expanding choice while the U.S. dollar remains legal tender.
Oklahoma has introduced a new legislative proposal that would allow Bitcoin payments for state employees and businesses.
The bill reflects growing interest in digital assets across U.S. states and seeks to expand payment options without changing existing legal tender laws.
Lawmakers say the proposal focuses on choice, structure, and regulated use within current financial systems.
Oklahoma Introduces Bitcoin Payment Bill for State Workers
Senate Bill 2064 was introduced during the 2026 legislative session by Senator Dusty Deevers.
The bill allows Bitcoin to be used as a payment method for state employees and vendors. It does not classify Bitcoin as legal tender under Oklahoma law.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Oklahoma pre-files Bitcoin payments bill, to be introduced Feb 2nd
Will allow state employees and vendors to receive payment in bitcoin! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/c8fy1UobDT
— Bitcoin Archive (@BitcoinArchive) January 23, 2026
The proposal defines Bitcoin as a financial instrument and a medium of exchange. Payments would still be valued in U.S. dollars for accounting purposes.
State agencies would process payments through approved systems.
The bill states that participation would be optional for employees. Workers could continue receiving salaries in U.S. dollars.
Bitcoin payments would only apply to those who formally choose the option.
Payment Options for Employees and State Vendors.
Under the bill, employees could receive salaries fully or partly in Bitcoin.
They could choose the Bitcoin price at the beginning or end of each pay period. This option allows flexibility in managing payment timing.
Employees could also select where Bitcoin payments are sent. The bill allows transfers to self-hosted wallets or approved custodial accounts.
The choice would depend on employee preference and provider availability.
State vendors would also be eligible for Bitcoin payments. Payment values would follow the market price at the transaction time.
Written agreements could set different pricing terms between parties.
Provisions for Bitcoin-Based Businesses
The bill includes exemptions for certain Bitcoin-focused companies.
Firms that use digital assets and do not convert them into U.S. dollars would avoid money transmitter licensing rules. This applies only to companies operating within defined limits.
Lawmakers included the exemption to reduce regulatory burdens. The text limits eligibility to businesses that handle digital assets directly. Companies offering fiat conversion services would remain subject to licensing.
The bill does not remove oversight responsibilities. Agencies would still monitor compliance with state and federal laws.
Financial reporting and security standards would continue to apply.
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Digital Asset Firm Selection and Timeline
The Oklahoma State Treasurer would oversee implementation if the bill passes. The Treasurer must select a digital asset firm to process Bitcoin payments.
Selection criteria include fees, transaction speed, and cybersecurity controls.
The bill requires a formal contract with a payment provider. The deadline for completing the contract is January 1, 2027.
This timeline gives agencies time to prepare systems and policies.
Once implemented, payments would run through the selected provider. The state would not hold Bitcoin directly unless required for processing.
All transactions would follow established accounting procedures.
