Governor Mike Braun has signed House Bill 1042 into law, mandating cryptocurrency investment options—via self-directed brokerage—in Indiana's state retirement and savings plans by July 2027. Following the bill's advancement through hearings in late 2025, the legislation integrates digital assets into public funds, prohibits discrimination against crypto use, and protects private keys in legal proceedings.
Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1042, authored by Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson), which requires Indiana's retirement and savings plans to offer cryptocurrency as an investment option alongside traditional assets by July 2027. Plans must include a self-directed brokerage window allowing crypto investments, with governing boards setting limits, fees, and rules.
The law prohibits state agencies and local governments from discriminating against cryptocurrency, including unique taxes, blocking acceptance, or restricting blockchain activities like mining and transactions. Private keys, which secure access to digital assets, are protected; disclosure in court is only compelled if no other evidence suffices.
This builds on HB 1042's earlier progress, including December 2025 hearings where it proposed indirect exposure via ETFs and established a Blockchain Task Force. The signing reflects Indiana's push to diversify public employee savings into assets like Bitcoin within regulated frameworks, without endorsing specific risks.
