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Bill

HJR 177

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the right to own, hold, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Andy Hopper

Texas proposes constitutional amendment protecting citizens' right to use mutually agreed alternative payment methods, including cryptocurrencies and non-government currencies.

Referred to Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
#currency&currencyexchange(s0335) #financial--general(i0365) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 177

Legislative bill overview

HJR 177 proposes a constitutional amendment to the Texas Constitution that would explicitly protect the right of individuals to own, hold, and use mutually agreed upon mediums of exchange. This is a state-level constitutional measure that would need to pass the legislature and be approved by Texas voters in a referendum to take effect.

Why is this important

This amendment addresses concerns about government restrictions on alternative currencies and payment methods. It could have implications for cryptocurrency regulation, barter systems, and competing currency arrangements. The measure reflects ongoing debates about financial sovereignty and whether state constitutions should explicitly protect economic freedoms beyond traditional government-issued currency.

Potential points of contention

  • Cryptocurrency regulation clarity: Ambiguity over whether this protects cryptocurrency from state regulation, or if it simply prevents outright bans while allowing oversight
  • Conflict with federal authority: Questions about whether state constitutional protections could conflict with federal monetary policy powers and existing financial regulations
  • Practical implementation concerns: Uncertainty about how "mutually agreed upon" mediums would be defined, monitored, and taxed, and whether this creates enforcement challenges for tax collection and anti-fraud efforts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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