BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.J.R. 175
89R22283 MLH-F	By: Gerdes et al. (Parker)
	Business & Commerce
	5/13/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The resolution author has informed the committee that under current law, Texans are able to conduct commerce and provide for their families using a multitude of methods like cash, checks, and credit or debit cards and that with the rise of cryptocurrencies and other digital monies, there is a fear that financial institutions may deprive Texans of their ability to make the best choices for themselves regarding how they engage in commerce. H.J.R. 175 seeks to forever enshrine monetary freedom as a right for all Texans by proposing a constitutional amendment to reaffirm that Texans have the right to own, hold, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange, including cash, coin, bullion, digital currency, or privately issued scrip when trading and contracting for goods and services.

H.J.R. 175 proposes a constitutional amendment relating to the right to own, hold, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article I, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 37, as follows:

Sec. 37. Prohibits the right of the people to own, hold, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange, including cash, coin, bullion, digital currency, or privately issued scrip, when trading and contracting for goods and services from being infringed. Prohibits any government from prohibiting or encumbering the ownership or holding of any form or amount of money or other currency. Requires that nothing in this section be construed as restricting this state from choosing the medium of exchange the state will accept for payments made to the state.

SECTION 2. Requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2025. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.