Gov. Chris Sununu is creating a commission to evaluate state and federal laws surrounding cryptocurrencies, and will make recommendations for how the digital currency industry can be regulated while encouraging innovation.

In a Feb. 9 executive order, Sununu said the state and federal government “must work to bring legal and regulatory certainty” to the burgeoning industry.

“It’s complex. It’s very interesting,” said Sununu during the state’s Covid-19 press conference. “A lot of people are buying and selling it on the market, but it is a currency that doesn’t have a whole lot of regulation around it.”

Sununu added that he doesn’t own any cryptocurrency.

“I’ve never bought any bitcoin or dogecoin or anything like that,” he said.

The commission members will include appointees by Sununu as well as lawmakers, the state attorney general, bankers, as well as members of the public.

The group is expected to hold public hearings and produce a final report within 180 days with recommendations for policy or legislative changes.

— TODD BOOKMAN/NH PUBLIC RADIO