California Seeks to Use Cryptocurrency as Legal Tender

California Seeks to Use Cryptocurrency as Legal Tender
A representation of the virtual cryptocurrency bitcoin is seen in this picture illustration taken on Oct. 19, 2021. Edgar Su/Reuters
Brandon Drey
Updated:

SACRAMENTO—Californians might be able to use cryptocurrencies to pay for groceries, rent, or driver’s license renewal as early as next year, after two bills were introduced recently to make digital currency an acceptable form of payment.

Last month, state Sen. Sydney K. Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Bill 1275, which would authorize state agencies to accept crypto for government services, and California Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) introduced Assembly Bill 2689, which would make virtual currency an acceptable form of tender for goods and services in both private and public entities.