1. Louisiana's First Step Towards Crypto Payments
2. Objective and Partnership
3. North Carolina's Decision on CBDC

Louisiana has become the first US state to start accepting cryptocurrency payments for certain state services. Residents can now use Bitcoin, the Lightning Network, and USDC.

Louisiana's First Step Towards Crypto Payments

State Treasurer John Fleming announced that residents can use Bitcoin, the Lightning Network, and USDC to pay for select services. The first crypto payment has already been made through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries using the Lightning Network.

Objective and Partnership

Louisiana’s crypto payment system is supported by a partnership with Bead Pay and other local partners. The goal is to reduce fraud and provide residents with greater financial freedom. Despite accepting crypto payments, Louisiana does not plan to hold onto crypto assets but will convert all crypto payments into US dollars.

North Carolina's Decision on CBDC

North Carolina has paused plans to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) due to privacy concerns. The state’s Senate overruled the governor’s veto and introduced a law blocking the use of CBDCs for state payments, also preventing the Federal Reserve from testing a CBDC in the state.

Louisiana's decision to accept cryptocurrency payments marks a significant step toward broader acceptance of digital currencies in the US and could serve as an example for other states.