The second-smallest state in the United States by population has formed a working group consisting of state agencies with a view toward studying blockchain technology.

This was announced by Vermont’s attorney general, T.J. Donovan, who disclosed that the blockchain working group would commence work next year in January. The working group — which will seek input from stakeholders, blockchain associations, and other experts in the industry — will be made up of four state agencies: the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Secretary of State, the Department of Financial Regulation, and the Office of the Attorney General.

“In an era of persistent data hacks, security breaches, and online activity, exploring new and innovative ways to protect our data is essential. And, we must strive to balance economic opportunity with consumer protection,” Donovan said in a statement.

Specific Tasks

The responsibilities of the working group will include determining whether blockchain-specific legislation will be necessary. Additionally, the working group will be required to identify the challenges, concerns, and opportunities that distributed ledger technology may present for the state of Vermont as well as finding the best way to protect consumers who may use the technology or be impacted by it.

Speaking to WCAX-TV, Donovan observed that one of the most likely use-cases for blockchain technology in the state would be tracking agricultural products meant for human consumption to ensure safety:

“I think food is a big one — tracking where food is coming from, all the way from farm to table. Whether or not we’re looking at a potential marijuana industry in this state, to make sure that it’s safe, that it’s not gonna impact public health or the public. So, it really gives you, I think, security, in tracking back where things went.”

States Pass Pro-Blockchain Laws

Earlier this year, the governor of Vermont, the sixth-smallest state in the U.S. by area, signed into law a bill that sought to enhance the adoption of distributed ledger technology in the state and allow blockchain startups to flourish. The piece of legislation, which became law on May 30 this year, had also called for a study to be conducted with a view of determining how blockchain applications could be harnessed to benefit Vermont’s economy.

In August, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott also signed into a bill that mandated a review of how blockchain technology could be used in public records. At the time, Scott observed that the legislation supporting the use of distributed ledger technology would benefit taxpayers:

“This new legislation holds the promise of making government more efficient, cost-effective, and ultimately saving Vermonters money,” he said.

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