Coin Center has outlined its primary policy priorities for 2025, focusing on legislative and administrative changes to support open blockchain networks and the individuals who develop and use them. Coin Center also aims to pursue solutions through the courts when necessary.
The organization highlights several key issues. Firstly, it seeks to prevent unjust prosecutions of non-custodial software developers. According to Coin Center, "the Department of Justice is targeting software developers with unlicensed money transmission prosecutions," despite guidance from FINCEN that non-custodial developers do not require a license. The proposed solution involves codifying FinCEN's guidance into law through the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act and reevaluating charges against currently prosecuted individuals.
Another concern is the misuse of sanctions laws by the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) to block domestic transactions involving smart contracts. Coin Center argues that OFAC's actions are unconstitutional and exceed statutory authority, noting that "the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has found the sanctioning of those smart contracts to be outside OFAC’s statutory authority." The organization suggests rescinding sanctions against uncontrolled smart contracts and urges Congress to deny requests for expanded sanctions authority.
Coin Center also addresses protecting Americans holding their own cryptocurrency without intermediaries, advocating for the Keep Your Coins Act to prevent federal regulation or bans on self-custody.
In terms of tax reform, Coin Center proposes extending foreign currency tax exemptions for low-value crypto transactions through the Virtual Currency Tax Fairness Act. Additionally, they call for equal tax treatment for block rewards via the Providing Tax Clarity for Digital Assets Act.
Regarding harmful crypto tax requirements introduced by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Coin Center recommends repealing these provisions through the Keep Innovation in America Act. They argue these requirements are unconstitutional and hinder innovation.
Finally, Coin Center calls for clarification in securities and commodities law concerning token issuance and secondary sales. They propose comprehensive reform options such as the Securities Clarity Act and the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act.
