Bill · S. 3611· Senate(119-S-3611)
Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/12/2026
- Last activity
- 1/12/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Cynthia Lummis
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act of 2026 seeks to clarify how certain developers or providers of distributed ledger services are treated under money transmission laws. It specifically addresses "non-controlling" developers or providers who do not have the independent ability to control or initiate digital asset transactions without third-party approval. Under this bill, these entities would not be treated as money transmitting businesses. They would also not be subject to registration requirements similar to those for money transmitters when providing software, hardware for custody, or infrastructure support. This clarification applies regardless of other existing federal or state laws.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+6
Protects small software development businesses from burdensome and misapplied money transmission registration requirements.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+5
Encourages innovation and investment in the digital asset and distributed ledger technology sectors.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
Provides blockchain and digital asset startup founders with essential regulatory certainty.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Clarification for Developers and Providers: By defining "non-controlling developer or provider," the bill provides specific legal treatment for those who create software or provide maintenance for distributed ledgers without controlling user transactions (Section 2(a)(5)).
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Exemption from Money Transmission Classification: The bill ensures that certain developers or providers are not treated as money transmitting businesses or engaged in money transmitting (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Reduced Registration Burdens: Entities providing software for distributed ledgers, hardware for customer custody or safekeeping of digital assets, or infrastructure support for distributed ledger services will not be subject to certain registration requirements (Section 2(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limitations on Scope: The provisions regarding the treatment of non-controlling developers do not affect whether they are subject to classification or treatment as a money transmitter or financial institution based on conduct outside the scope of subsection (b) (Section 2(c)(1) and (2)).
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No Impact on Intellectual Property: This Act does not limit or expand any law pertaining to intellectual property (Section 2(c)(3)).
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State Law Protections: The Act does not prevent any State from enforcing any State law that is consistent with this section, nor does it create or prevent causes of action under State or local law (Section 2(c)(4) and (5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+4Improves Interstate Commerce+4Improves Privacy Rights+4Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6Improves Economic Growth+5Increases Job Creation+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Young Adults+3
- 1/12/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon