ATX DAO Public Policy
Educating policymakers and supporting practical blockchain, DAO, and Web3 policy conversations in Austin and Texas — through testimony, research, community education, and legislative engagement.
How we approach policy
Consciousness
Policy is foundational to the long-term development of blockchain technology. Clear, practical rules help innovation remain in Austin, Texas, and the U.S.
Pragmatism
Policy requires careful review, real-world testing, and respect for tradeoffs — helping builders operate within clear legal frameworks.
Education
We help civic stakeholders understand blockchain, DAOs, smart contracts, digital ownership, and Web3 communities.
House Bill 3768
ATX DAO became the first DAO in history to help draft, push, and pass legislation through an official government chamber.HB 3768, introduced by Rep. John Bucy with the Innovation & Technology Caucus, was the culmination of over a year of work, research, and testimony — in partnership with the Texas Blockchain Council and a16z Crypto.
The bill relates to the formation of decentralized unincorporated associations and the use of distributed ledger or blockchain technology for certain business purposes. As of Friday, May 12, 2023, it had passed the Texas House of Representatives unopposed and was headed to the Texas Senate. Only Wyoming, Tennessee, and Vermont recognize DAOs via LLC statutes; Texas leverages the Texas Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act (TUNAA) as a first-of-its-kind operating framework.
What the bill does
- +Modernizes Texas business code for decentralized organizations.
- +Clarifies the use of electronic data systems and e-signatures.
- +Presents the Decentralized Unincorporated Association (DUA) framework.
- +Promotes an Administrator role for compliance and coordination.
What it does not do
- –Does not replace LLCs or corporations.
- –Does not force any DAO into the framework — it is opt-in.
- –Does not grant tax advantages.
Why DAO policy matters
DAOs and blockchain-enabled communities need practical legal frameworks that let them coordinate, keep records, make decisions, and interact with existing systems.
Coordination & records
DAOs need practical frameworks to coordinate, keep records, and make decisions.
Interfacing with existing systems
Communities need ways to interact with existing business and nonprofit systems.
Building on prior law
The Texas DAO Bill explored a framework for decentralized unincorporated associations, drawing on the Texas Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act.
Testimony & evidence
Policy on the podcast
ATX DAO participates in education and policy conversations around blockchain, DAOs, and Web3 in Austin and Texas through testimony, research, and community engagement.
ATX DAO became the first DAO in history to help draft, push, and pass legislation through an official government chamber. HB 3768 was the culmination of over a year of work, research, and testimony, in partnership with the Texas Blockchain Council and a16z Crypto.
As of May 12, 2023, the extracted record states the bill had passed the Texas House unopposed and was headed to the Texas Senate. Confirm the current legislative status before relying on it.
No. ATX DAO's public policy content is educational and should not be treated as legal advice.
Help build clear rules for Web3
Follow ATX DAO's policy work, or join the community to contribute to education and advocacy in Texas.