Bill Summary for S 975 (2025-2026)

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Summary date: 

Apr 30 2026

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2025-2026 Session
Senate Bill 975 (Public) Filed Thursday, April 30, 2026
AN ACT TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TREASURER TO STUDY THE ACCEPTANCE OF DIGITAL ASSET PAYMENTS FOR CERTAIN STATE FEES, TO STUDY HOUSEHOLD REMITTANCE COSTS, AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE STUDIES.
Intro. by Theodros, Blue, Lowe.

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Bill summary

Titles the act the “State Digital Asset Payments Study Act.” Defines digital asset as a fungible, blockchain-based digital representation of value designed for use as a medium of exchange or settlement instrument and capable of being transmitted, stored, or traded electronically. It does not include non-fungible tokens, digital collectibles, tokenized artwork, any digital asset primarily marketed or structured as a speculative investment or unique collectible item, or a central bank digital currency, as defined in GS 147-86.19(a). Lists seven legislative findings.  Establishes a two-part statewide study on the following: (1) the acceptance of digital asset payments for certain State fees (“Digital Asset Study”) and (2) household remittance costs and international payment mechanisms that may reduce transaction costs for North Carolina residents, while maintaining appropriate consumer protections, financial stability, and regulatory compliance (“Household Study”). Towards that end, directs the State Treasurer (Treasurer), to conduct two studies on those topics, as specified. Requires the Treasurer conduct the Household Study in consultation with the Office of the Commissioner of Banks. Requires the Treasurer to consult with relevant State agencies and constitutional officers, including those listed, as part of the Digital Asset Study. Provides for the scope of both studies. Prioritizes evaluation of U.S. dollar-denominated, fully reserved stablecoins issued by entities subject to regulatory oversight in the Digital Asset Study. Clarifies that the act does not require the State to accept, hold, invest, retain, directly custody, or speculate in digital assets. Nor does it designate any digital asset as legal tender or payment for taxes or criminal fines. Instructs the Treasurer to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee and division by January 15, 2027, summarizing the  findings of the Digital Asset Study. Also requires a report to submitted to the specified NCGA committee and division on the Household Study.

Appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund to the Treasurer for 2026-27 to implement the studies required by the act.