CA Blockchain Working Group

In 2018, California took its first step into the use and regulation of blockchain technology for itself, its businesses and residents. AB 2658 (Calderon, Chapter 875, Statutes of 2018, G.C. 11546.9 requires that the Secretary of the Government Operations Agency appoint a blockchain technology working group and chairperson by July 1, 2019.

This group is charged with:

• Evaluating blockchain uses, risks, benefits, legal implications, and best practices;
• Defining the term blockchain; and
• Recommending amendments to other statutes that may be impacted by blockchain.

The 20-person workgroup is required to represent multiple disciplines. Experts in technology, business, government, law, public and private information security, are key to conducting a comprehensive evaluation. In addition to taking input from a wide range of stakeholders, the workgroup itself shall reflect the following:

• Three appointees from the technology industry;
• Three appointees from the non technology-related industry;
• Three appointees with a background in law chosen in consultation with the Judicial Council;
• Two appointees from privacy organizations;
• Two appointees from consumer organizations;
• The State Chief Information Officer;
• The Director of Finance;
• The chief information officers of three other state agencies;
• One member of the Senate; and
• One member of the Assembly.

The workgroup is required to issue a report by July 1, 2020 to the Legislature with policy recommendations. The recommendations must include the potential uses, risks, and benefits to state government and California-based businesses as well as amendments to existing law that may be impacted by the deployment of blockchain.

AB 2658 sunsets on January 1, 2022.

Blockchain Working Group Final Report-2020-July 1 (PDF)

Blockchain Working Group Final Report-2022-December 2 (PDF)