South Carolina enacts S.163, strengthening protections for crypto users and businesses; state CBDC payments barred

South Carolina's governor has signed Senate Bill S.163 into law, creating new legal safeguards for cryptocurrency users and businesses across the state. The measure prohibits state participation in or payments using a central bank digital currency (CBDC). It also protects the right to use self-custody wallets and to make payments in crypto. In addition, the law exempts mining and staking activities from money transmitter licensing requirements.