On March 22, Tennessee governor Bill Haslam signed a bill into law that recognizes the legal authority to use blockchain technology and smart contracts in conducting electronic transactions.

This is the first time a US state has legalized smart contracts through a bill or law. The bill was introduced on January 18, 2018, and quickly made its way through the Senate and House with no opposing votes. According to Live Bitcoin News, both Nebraska and Florida are also considering similar bills.

The governor of Tennessee just signed a law that will officially recognize smart contracts as legally enforceable. This is important step in accelerating blockchain adoption & making our world more efficient. Hopefully more states follow soon. — Pomp 🌪 (@APompliano) March 23, 2018

Tennessee joins a growing list of states welcoming various aspects of blockchain technology through local legislature, including Wyoming, Arizona, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Georgia.