Texas Senate Bill SB1941

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/5/25

Caption

Relating to certain reports required to be filed by digital asset service providers.

Impact

The enactment of SB1941 would fundamentally change the regulatory landscape for digital asset firms in Texas. The requirement for independent certified public accounting firms to prepare attestation reports would increase scrutiny and formality surrounding these entities' financial statements. As a result, firms might have to allocate additional resources to compliance, potentially raising operational costs. Conversely, increased oversight could lead to greater consumer trust in digital asset service providers, potentially expanding the market as more users feel secure about their investments.

Summary

SB1941 aims to enforce stricter reporting requirements for digital asset service providers in Texas. The bill stipulates that these providers must file annual reports that include an attestation of outstanding liabilities to customers, as well as documentation of customer assets held. This legislative effort is intended to enhance transparency and accountability within the often opaque digital asset market, which has grown rapidly in recent years. By mandating that service providers publicly disclose this information, the bill seeks to protect consumers and ensure that providers are solvent and able to meet their obligations to customers.

Contention

The bill may provoke contention primarily from digital asset service providers who could view the increased regulatory burden as a barrier to entry or a deterrent to innovation within the space. Proponents of SB1941 argue that the regulatory measures are essential to safeguard consumer interests and establish a stable framework for a burgeoning industry. However, opponents may contend that the bill could inadvertently stifle growth and limit competition among smaller providers unable to bear the costs associated with compliance. Overall, the discourse surrounding SB1941 reveals a tension between the need for regulation to protect consumers and the desire to foster a dynamic and innovative economic environment.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Finance Code

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section