The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association (WHPA) is considering adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet as part of the “Get Off Zero” initiative, a program led by Proof of Workforce, a nonprofit organization focused on Bitcoin education and adoption.
If the initiative moves forward, the WHPA could become the first law enforcement labor union in the United States to hold Bitcoin.
Wyoming has long been at the forefront of cryptocurrency and blockchain legislation. The state has introduced laws recognizing decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) as legal entities, protecting crypto private keys, and promoting blockchain innovation. Most recently, Wyoming lawmakers proposed a bill to allocate up to 3% of the state’s sovereign funds to Bitcoin, effectively establishing a state Bitcoin reserve.
Additionally, the state has been exploring stablecoin issuance through the Stable Token Commission, which was created to oversee digital assets. Authorities have even published job listings for blockchain developers to support these initiatives.
The WHPA, established in 1974, supports Wyoming Highway Patrol personnel, including troopers, dispatchers, and civilian staff. By participating in the “Get Off Zero” initiative, the association aims to educate its members on Bitcoin and explore its potential benefits as a financial asset.
Dom Bei, founder of Proof of Workforce, emphasized Bitcoin’s role as a stable, long-term financial tool in an era of economic uncertainty. He also noted that part of the funds could be held in self-custody, giving the organization more financial independence.
WHPA Vice President Austin Bluemel stated that the group is “excited to explore Bitcoin as a network and asset” and evaluate how it can benefit members of the organization.
The initiative has received support from Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, a well-known Bitcoin advocate. She praised the WHPA’s decision, stating that it would provide financial protection for law enforcement members while aligning with Wyoming’s broader push for Bitcoin adoption.
“This is so cool,” Lummis said. “The goal with this stuff is to help Americans access tools to realize and protect the full value of their effort, their blood, their sweat, and their tears.”
Wyoming is not the only state exploring Bitcoin as a reserve asset. States such as Utah, Texas, Arizona, and Ohio have introduced similar bills, with Utah making the most progress by passing its Bitcoin reserve bill through the House.
Proof of Workforce has previously worked with other labor groups, including the Santa Monica Firefighters, who became the first US union to self-custody Bitcoin. The organization has also provided Bitcoin education to trustees of the Wisconsin Retirement System and helped establish the first Municipal Bitcoin Office in Santa Monica.
With input from Crypto.news, Cointelegraph, and Binance Square.
