Montana's House of Representatives has passed a bill that prohibits local authorities from obstructing crypto mining operations. Bill number 178 establishes a "digital asset mining right" and forbids discriminatory electricity rates charged to cryptocurrency miners. It also seeks to safeguard mining operations that take place "at home" and remove the authority of local governments to utilize zoning laws to impede crypto-mining activities. The bill also bars any extra taxes on the utilization of cryptocurrency as a means of payment and categorizes "digital assets," including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), as "personal property." The bill now awaits Governor Greg Gianforte's signature.

(By DAVID ATTLEE)