Oklahoma Bill Proposes Bitcoin Payments for State Workers

Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced a groundbreaking bill that would allow state employees, vendors, and private businesses to receive payments in Bitcoin. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 2064, aims to create a legal framework for using Bitcoin as a medium of exchange within the state's economy.

Introduced by Senator Dusty Deevers during the 2026 legislative session, the bill positions Oklahoma among a growing number of U.S. states exploring the integration of digital assets into public finance. The proposal carefully navigates constitutional concerns by not designating Bitcoin as legal tender, instead recognizing it as a financial instrument operating within existing legal frameworks.

If enacted, the bill would grant Oklahoma state employees the flexibility to elect Bitcoin as part of their compensation package. Employees could choose to receive their entire salary in Bitcoin or opt for a combination of Bitcoin and U.S. dollars, providing a customizable approach to digital asset adoption.

The legislation outlines specific valuation methods to ensure fairness and transparency:

• Bitcoin value determined by market price at the start of a pay period
• Alternative valuation at the time of actual payment
• Payment preference can be revised at the beginning of each pay period
• Deposits directed to self-hosted wallets or third-party custodial accounts

This structure allows employees to manage their exposure to Bitcoin's price volatility while participating in the digital asset economy. The choice between a self-hosted wallet and a third-party custodial account gives individuals control over their security preferences and technical comfort levels.

Senate Bill 2064 extends beyond state payroll to encompass broader economic activity. Vendors contracting with the state would have the option to receive payments in Bitcoin on a per-transaction basis, with the value determined by market price at the time of payment unless otherwise specified in a written agreement.

The legislation also authorizes private businesses and individuals throughout Oklahoma to negotiate and receive payments in Bitcoin, reinforcing its use as a voluntary medium of exchange across the state economy. This provision could facilitate new business models and payment solutions within the private sector.

The bill explicitly states that it does not conflict with the U.S. Constitution's prohibition on states coining money or declaring legal tender other than gold and silver.

To support this ecosystem, the bill includes provisions aimed at reducing regulatory friction for Bitcoin-native businesses. Firms that deal exclusively in digital assets and do not exchange them for U.S. dollars would be exempt from Oklahoma's money transmitter licensing requirements, potentially lowering barriers to entry for cryptocurrency-focused companies.

The bill establishes a clear implementation pathway with specific deadlines for state agencies. The Oklahoma State Treasurer is tasked with issuing a request for proposals to select a digital asset firm capable of processing Bitcoin payments for state employees and vendors.

When evaluating potential providers, the Treasurer must consider several critical factors:

• Transaction fees and cost structures
• Processing speed and efficiency
• Cybersecurity practices and protocols
• Custody options and security measures
• Relevant state licenses and regulatory compliance

The selection process culminates with a required contract finalized by January 1, 2027. Additionally, the Treasurer is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement the program effectively. The bill also mandates that the Oklahoma Tax Commission issue guidance on the tax treatment of digital assets received as payment by the same date, addressing potential uncertainty for both employees and employers.

Oklahoma's initiative follows similar exploratory efforts in other states, including New Hampshire and Texas. New Hampshire passed the nation's first Strategic Bitcoin Reserve law, allowing the state to hold up to 5% of its funds in high-market-cap digital assets and approve bitcoin-backed municipal bonds.

Texas has paired legislation with direct action, creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and making the first U.S. state Bitcoin ETF purchase of approximately $5 million. These moves frame Bitcoin as both a hedge against economic volatility and a step toward modernizing state finances.

Senator Dusty Deevers previously introduced a similar initiative in January 2025 called the Bitcoin Freedom Act (SB 325), which aimed to create a legal framework for voluntary Bitcoin payments in the state's economy. The current bill builds upon that earlier effort with more detailed implementation provisions.

If passed, Senate Bill 2064 would take effect on November 1, 2026, positioning Oklahoma among a small but growing number of U.S. states exploring direct integration of Bitcoin into government payment systems. The legislation represents a significant step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets in public sector operations.

The bill's careful approach to constitutional compliance and its emphasis on voluntary participation suggest a measured introduction of Bitcoin into Oklahoma's economy. By establishing clear valuation methods, implementation timelines, and regulatory exemptions, the legislation aims to create a practical framework for digital asset adoption.

As the 2026 legislative session progresses, Senate Bill 2064 will serve as a test case for how states can incorporate cryptocurrency into their financial systems while navigating federal constitutional constraints and practical implementation challenges.