Smart Contracts, Blockchain Transactions recognized under Tennessee Law

The governor of Tennessee has signed a bill that legally recognizes blockchain data and smart contracts under state law.

The bill states “As introduced, recognizes the legal authority to use blockchain technology and smart contracts in conducting electronic transactions; protects ownership rights of certain information secured by blockchain technology.”

Under the new legislation, “A signature that is secured through blockchain technology is considered to be in an electronic form and to be an electronic signature,” while “A record or contract that is secured through blockchain technology is considered to be in an electronic form and to be an electronic record.”

According to data from LegiScan, since its introduction in January, the bill has been passed unanimously in both chambers of Tennessee’s legislature.

The law also recognizes the legal power of smart contracts as “no contract relating to a transaction shall be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because that contract contains a smart contract term.”