Blockchain advocates in Massachusetts have partnered with the Chamber of Digital Commerce to release a Massachusetts Edition of the Legislator’s Toolkit for Blockchain Technology.

Communications company Media Shower and the Boston Blockchain Association (BBA) are working with the blockchain trade association on the toolkit. It is designed to guide Massachusetts lawmakers to help create a favorable regulatory environment in the Commonwealth.

Apart from various legislative principles, proposals, and concepts, the Massachusetts Edition has five specific legislative recommendations. These include establishing a State Blockchain Working Group, creating legal/regulatory sandboxes, and standardizing tax obligations.

Blockchain technology is increasingly being used in a variety of applications and industries, according to the association. As a consequence, it is becoming a key emerging sector in the Massachusetts’ robust tech industry.

Blockchain in Boston

Media Shower is a Boston-based media and communications company with previous experience promoting blockchain literacy in the region. The PR firm previously developed blockchain education sessions for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, as well as government leaders across the state. Media Shower has also actively engaged with the Boston Blockchain Association. BBA’s mission is to develop the necessary ecosystem to establish Greater Boston as a blockchain hub.

Media Shower Executive Consultant Evan Karnoupakis took inspiration from the Texas Edition of the Toolkit, and recognized its potential in Massachusetts. Karnoupakis featured the Chamber’s Toolkit in a book he had co-authored with Media Shower CEO and BBA Founding Member John Hargrave. He also envisioned that the BBA would support the document similarly to the Texas Blockchain Council (TBC). Additionally, Karnoupakis was put in touch with TBC President and Founder Lee Bratcher, who shared his insights on co-developing the Texas Edition with the Chamber.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts already has blockchain legislation in process. Senate Bill 200 and House Bill 126 hope to establish commissions studying technology and fostering its proliferation, while House Bill 3763 seeks to implement a blockchain-based voting pilot.