The Rhode Island General Assembly has introduced a bill, called the Rhode Island Economic Growth Blockchain Act, which aims at encouraging the state’s economy by ensuring that its regulations are friendly to blockchain innovators and providing a comprehensive regulatory technology sandbox.
The Rhode Island Economic Growth Blockchain Act revolves around four main areas: an economic growth blockchain act; setting regulations for the sale of hemp; regulation of virtual and digital assets; and establishment of depository banks for the purposes stated. The bill ‘mainly’ seeks to establish a blockchain technology advisory council and the development of a blockchain-based filing system.
In addition, the bill compels the tracking and tracing of heavily regulated products such as hemp, or cannabis, by using blockchain to “ensure public health and safety.” It also moves for the formation of a “financial sandbox” and a “special depository sandbox.”
Liz Tanner, director of the department of business regulation, said: “Rhode Island aims to be a leader in government efficiency and innovation and we believe exploring the possibilities of blockchain technology is a step toward modernisation in government. This will encourage blockchain businesses to demonstrate their value to government entities, and I encourage blockchain-based businesses to consider Rhode Island to test blockchain technology within government.”
Last year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills that aimed at bringing about a blockchain initiative task force into law. The bills, 2297 and A5111, would establish the New Jersey Blockchain Initiative Task Force and create the Innovation District Designation Program respectively.
Picture credit: Rhode Island Capitol, by cometstarmoon, used under CC BY 2.0
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