Ohio has authorized the use of Bitcoin for state fees and services, following the Ohio State Board of Deposit's approval of a vendor to process these payments. This initiative, led by Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Treasurer Robert Sprague, allows residents and businesses to pay using cryptocurrency, starting with the Secretary of State’s office. The move is part of broader legislative efforts, including House Bill 18, which proposes the creation of a Strategic Crypto Reserve. Ohio joins 47 other states with similar legislation, according to the Bitcoin Laws tracker. The state’s new payment system includes a designated portal for cryptocurrency transactions, and the Blockchain Basics Act may exempt small transactions from capital gains taxes, further encouraging the use of digital currencies for routine state transactions.