Pennsylvania’s HB1812 Crypto Bill Targets Corruption and Conflicts

Pennsylvania Representative Ben Waxman, Democrat from district 182 has introduced a new bill which is aimed at stopping elected officials from making money through cryptocurrency while in office.

HB1812 crypto was introduced by Ben Waxman on August 21,  which comes after concerns about public officials using their positions to benefit financially from decentalised projects.

Source: Washington state Legislature

Waxman called the step toward reducing corruption in public service.

Targeting conflicts of interest

Waxman specifically targeted U.S. President Donald Trump for accusing him of profiting from decentalised ventures like his memecoin, Official Trump while promoting policies that reduced federal oversight of the decentalised market.

"In Pennsylvania, no public administrator should be allowed to use their office to enrich themselves through cryptocurrency schemes,” Waxman said.

Proposal of HB1812 crypto would bar officials from launching, promoting and trading coins in which they hold a personal financial interest.

Rules for disclosure and divestment

The HB1812 crypto bill will set rules for public officials. Any digital asset holdings above $1,000 must be disclosed in financial statements. Officials and their immediate families with exciting decentalised investments would need to withdraw within 90 days of the law’s enactment.

The $1,000 threshold is in line with current disclosure rules for other types of investments and ensures fairness and transparency.

Penalties and Implementation

The violation of the proposed law could have serious consequences. Some violations could result in fines up to $50,000 while others may lead to implementation for up to five years.

HB1812 crypto bill also outlines a 60 day implementation period after it becomes law by giving official time to comply.

The legislation aims to keep service free from conflicts of interest as cryptocurrency  becomes more common in personal and professional investment.

Decentalised Oversight in Pennsylvania

The HB1812 crypto bill comes shortly after the Pennsylvania Representative Mike Cabell proposed a plan to let the state invest up to 10% of its funds in Bitcoin , a plan that stalled in the era of digital assets that is addressing both transparency and accountability for those in office.

Conclusion

The bill seeks to ensure government administrators cannot personally profit from cryptocurrency, promoting ethical standards and protecting public trust in Pennsylvania’s government.