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Carfagna's Blockchain Legislation Passes Ohio House

December 2, 2020
Rick Carfagna News

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 220, legislation sponsored by State Representative Rick Carfagna (R-Genoa Twp.) that would allow governmental entities in Ohio the ability to utilize blockchain technology in their operations. Blockchain technology is technology that allows for the secure transmission and storage of many forms of records and data.

“The revolutionary nature of blockchain technology stems from its ability to ensure that information is accessible to individuals within a network, while simultaneously maintaining the authenticity of the data,” said Carfagna. “House Bill 220 received bipartisan support when it passed out of the House Commerce and Labor Committee and yet again received support from both sides of the aisle today.”

The implementation opportunities of blockchain technology are endless and include the following:

  • Electronic Medical Records: each patient could have a secure “block” containing copies of their patient information, easily accessible by caregivers
  • Smart Contracts: contracts on blockchain can be written in a manner that causes automatic transfers of goods or currency upon the satisfaction of specified conditions
  • Government Benefit Transfers: governments could utilize blockchain to ensure that benefits (disability checks, food stamps, etc.) are received and utilized only by the rightful recipient
  • Title Transfers: blockchain could provide a reliable way to ensure legitimacy and security of reach estate or car titles.

House Bill 220 received support from numerous organizations throughout the state, including the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, the Ohio Municipal League, the Ohio Township Association, and MetroHealth.

The legislation also received support from Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who stated, “We need to make sure we are laying a framework that allows emerging technologies to succeed in Ohio, and I appreciate Representative Carfagna, and his colleagues in the Ohio House, for working to make that happen”.

The bill passed with a vote of 88-2. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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Rep. Carfagna serves the 68th District in the Ohio House of Representatives, which covers the eastern half of Delaware County and all of Knox County.  For more information, contact Rep. Carfagna’s office at (614) 466-1431 or Rep68@ohiohouse.gov.