The Texas Bitcoin reserve is now a reality after the state made its first $10 million Bitcoin purchase through BlackRock’s IBIT ETF. This is a major moment in U.S. public finance.
The buy happened just months after Texas approved the country’s first publicly funded Bitcoin reserve. This step puts Texas ahead of other states in adopting digital assets at the government level.
What Is the Texas Bitcoin Reserve?
The Texas Bitcoin reserve was created by the state to direct public money into Bitcoin with a long-term approach in mind. This followed Governor Greg Abbott’s approval of Senate Bill 21 in June 2025, which officially allowed the reserve to be set up.
What sets Texas apart is that it didn’t just talk about the idea; it supported it with real funding, beginning with a $10 million investment. The reserve is meant to help protect the state against inflation, spread its assets across different areas, and strengthen Texas’ role in shaping digital asset policy in the country.
Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s office is managing the early steps of the plan, and the state expects to move the Bitcoin into its own self-custody once the required procurement process is finished.
How Did Texas Execute Its First Purchase?
On November 20, Texas officials bought $10 million in Bitcoin at around $87,000 per coin through BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). Lee Bratcher, president of the Texas Blockchain Council, noted the milestone, saying that Texas is the first state to make a $10 million Bitcoin purchase and praising the Texas Treasury team for their work.

Using the ETF gave Texas a regulated and practical way to enter the market while it worked on building its own self-custody system. BlackRock’s IBIT, which already holds more than 800,000 BTC worldwide, offered a trusted platform for the state’s first Bitcoin allocation.
Why Is This Purchase Significant?
Although $10 million is just 0.0004 percent of Texas’ two-year budget, analysts say the move carries important symbolic weight. The Texas Bitcoin reserve shows that the state is serious about digital assets, sending a clear message to markets and other states that Bitcoin can have a place in public finance.
Market analysts have pointed out that the purchase was made during a market pullback. A crypto strategist familiar with the move said the dip gave Texas a chance to gain Bitcoin exposure at a more favorable price.
What’s the Legislative Background?
The Texas Bitcoin reserve came from Senate Bill 21. Introduced by Senator Charles Schwertner and Representative Giovanni Capriglione. The bill was approved by the Texas House with a 105–23 vote and became law in June 2025.
It set aside $10 million for the first Bitcoin purchase and laid out the rules for future management, including reports every two years and clear custody requirements.
Texas approach stands out as states like Arizona and New Hampshire approved Bitcoin reserves. But never put real money into them. Texas became the first state in the country to carry out a fully funded Bitcoin purchase under a formal law.
What Are the Future Plans for the Reserve?
Officials plan to move the holdings from the IBIT ETF to direct self-custody in the future. They are looking at options such as cold storage or involving multiple institutions for added security. The initial $10 million investment is mostly symbolic, but the reserve could grow over time depending on future legislation and market trends.

Supporters say the Texas Bitcoin reserve strengthens the state’s already pro-crypto reputation, working alongside its rules that protect blockchain businesses and crypto mining operations. They believe this step could inspire other states to consider their own digital asset strategies.
Conclusion
Texas Bitcoin reserve marks an early and important move. It will bring digital assets into public finance. By starting with a regulated ETF purchase and planning to shift to self-custody, Texas is setting an example for how states can approach Bitcoin in a strategic, long-term way. This move is expected to spark important policy discussions across country.
Glossary
Bitcoin Reserve: A special Texas fund to hold Bitcoin for the long run.
Self-Custody: Keeping your Bitcoin safe yourself, without trusting others.
Senate Bill 21: The Texas law that set up and funds this Bitcoin reserve.
Cold Storage: Storing Bitcoin offline so it can’t be hacked.
Comptroller: The Texas official who manages state money and finances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Bitcoin Reserve
How much Bitcoin did Texas buy?
Texas bought $10 million worth of Bitcoin through BlackRock’s IBIT ETF.
Why did Texas use BlackRock’s IBIT ETF for purchase?
Texas used the IBIT ETF as it allowed the state to buy Bitcoin in a safe and regulated way.
Who approved the creation of the Bitcoin Reserve?
Governor Greg Abbott approved reserve by signing Senate Bill 21 into law.
What does Texas plan to do with Bitcoin later?
Texas plans to move the Bitcoin from ETF into its own direct self-custody system.
Why did analysts say timing of the purchase was smart?
Analysts said it was smart as Texas bought during a market dip. Which gave it a better price.
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