The Ohio State Board of Deposits has unanimously approved a vendor to process cryptocurrency payments, including Bitcoin, for state fees, services, and charges. This final approval, granted on September 24, 2025, culminates a effort that began in April when Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Treasurer Robert Sprague first proposed the measure. The board had initially authorized crypto payments in May, but vendor approval was pending until now.
Secretary LaRose emphasized the significance, noting that his office handles hundreds of thousands of transactions annually and that demand for crypto options is rising. "I want to commend the board for taking bold action to position us at the forefront of the emerging digital economy. Ohioans are demanding a cryptocurrency option, and I am excited and ready to be the first to provide it to our customers," LaRose stated.
Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal praised the move, tweeting, "It's happening. Government payments in Ohio today. Everything onchain tomorrow." The approval is part of Ohio's broader pro-crypto push, which includes the Ohio Blockchain Basics Act passed in June—blocking local crypto restrictions and exempting small transactions from taxes—and House Bill 18, proposing a Strategic Crypto Reserve funded by state investment earnings.
Ohio joins a national trend, with 47 U.S. states having introduced Strategic Bitcoin Reserve proposals, 26 of which remain active. States like Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire are advancing similar legislation most rapidly. Globally, momentum is growing, with Pakistan planning a Bitcoin reserve backed by mining energy and the Philippines introducing a reserve bill.