Bill aims to prohibit new crypto mining within 30 miles of a military facility

Calling crypto mines a “national security issue,” Sen. Ricky Hill, R-Cabot introduced a bill to prohibit businesses from digital asset mining within a 30-mile radius of a military facility.

Hill said his bill, filed late Tuesday, is a preemptive move against crypto mining operations that could pose a security threat to military installations around the state as the Legislature has sought to more heavily regulate crypto mines over the past year.

Under Senate Bill 60, the 30-mile radius where crypto mines would be banned includes all bases, hospitals, training sites or housing operated by any branch of the U.S. military including the National Guard. The bill would not apply to crypto mines already in operation before Dec. 31, 2024, unless there is a change in ownership.