In a groundbreaking move, Texas legislators have voted overwhelmingly in favor of amending the state’s Bill of Rights to include a provision that recognizes the right of individuals to possess, retain, and utilize digital currencies. According to Bill HJR 146, introduced by State Representative Giovani Capriglione, individuals have the right to use a medium of exchange that is mutually agreed upon – including digital currencies, cash, coin, bullion, or scrip – for trading and contracting goods and services, a right that cannot be violated. The bill garnered 139 votes in favor, with only two votes against it.
The Texas Bill of Rights protects essential liberties like freedom of speech, religion, and press, akin to the U.S. Bill of Rights. However, it also incorporates specific clauses related to Texas, such as the right to a prompt trial and the right to possess and carry weapons for self-defense. The recent amendment, if successfully passed into law, will further grant Texans the opportunity to employ digital currencies like Bitcoin (BTC).
Tom Glass, who founded the Texas Constitutional Enforcement group, mentioned on Thursday, May 11, that HJR 146 still requires one more House vote before it proceeds to the Senate and a vote of the people. Glass explained that the bill’s primary purpose is to use the inclusion of the right to own, hold, and use digital currencies in the Texas Bill of Rights to mount a legal argument in the federal judiciary. This argument invokes the 9th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which acknowledges the existence of natural rights beyond the first eight amendments.
Supporters of the bill argue that incorporating digital currencies into the Texas Bill of Rights is an essential step in preserving Texans’ financial privacy. The Texas Constitutional Enforcement group believes that using alternative currencies is necessary to shield the wealth Texans have labored for from being eroded by an unstable dollar. Furthermore, the group stresses that Texans should not have to depend solely on the services of global financial elites, as it would expose their financial assets to devaluation and confiscation.
Despite the widespread support for the amendment, critics may argue that embracing digital currencies presents potential risks in terms of market volatility, security concerns, and regulatory hurdles. As the debate continues, the fate of digital currencies in Texas hangs in the balance. Will the Lone Star State ultimately emerge as a champion of alternative currencies and pave the way for other states to follow suit, or will it have to confront the various challenges that come with embracing such an endeavor? Only time will tell.
Source: Cointelegraph
