Full Press Release
News from the Alaska State Legislature, the Office of Senator Tilton
For Immediate Release: May 12, 2026
Senate Passes Consumer Bill of Rights for Crypto-Kiosks
Senator Cathy Tilton
JUNEAU – Today SB 249 by Senator Cathy Tilton (R – Wasilla) passed the Senate in a unanimous vote.
Senate Bill 249 establishes statewide regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks (also known as Bitcoin ATMs) to protect consumers from potential fraud and provide victims of scams a pathway for judicial recourse.
The consumer bill of rights within SB 249 requires kiosks to display mandatory fraud warnings, acquire licenses, enacts transactions limits, caps transaction fees, encourages law enforcement cooperation so officers may track transfers in real-time, and facilitate refunds for fraudulent virtual currency transfers.
"Senator Tilton’s leadership has been critical in moving this important consumer protection legislation,” said AARP Alaska Advocacy Director Marge Stoneking. “SB249 will protect older Alaskans’ hard-earned savings from scammers leveraging cryptocurrency kiosks."
Senator Tilton was called to action after her mother was targeted by scammers who used a cryptocurrency kiosk to take thousands of dollars from her aging parent.
According to Senator Tilton, “In 2024, Alaskans lost more than $26 million to online fraud, with seniors bearing a third of those losses.” She continued, “Our seniors spent decades building our state, families, and their life savings. Enacting digital currency protections is another critical step to allowing seniors to live their golden years in peace and stability.”
The Senate Republican Caucus and Senator Tilton look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to see Senate Bill 249 placed on the Governor’s desk.
Share on X 
Share on Facebook
News & Videos more >
SB 249 Preventing Crypto Kiosk Fraud Effective Oct 1
The bill provides critical new protections for Alaska seniors and families against the growing threat of fraud involving virtual currency kiosks.
SB 230, Correcting the Jonesville Public Use Border Signed in Law
In 2018, the Legislature established the Jonesville PUA. While DNR was drafting regulations for the area, a discrepancy in the land description was identified.
SB 239 Cutting Red Tape for Classic Cars Signed into Law
“This bill streamlines outdated import rules, reduces bureaucracy, and puts Alaskans back behind the wheels of their classic cars.”
Senate Republicans to Push for a Clean, Bipartisan LNG Bill
The AK LNG Project is a once in a generation opportunity for every single Alaskan.
SB 256, Authorizes Alaska to Join EMS Compact
The compact allows EMT’s and paramedics to work across state lines in participating states while maintaining state-based licensure and oversight.
SB 249, Protection from Crypto Scams, Passes Legislature
According to the FBI Annual Report, more than 600 seniors in Alaska were victims of fraud, with losses of $16.25 million. The same report concluded that cryptocurrency kiosks are the...
SB 9, Allowing "Baby Boxes," Passes the Legislature
In the past decade and a half, two abandoned babies have tragically died in Alaska. Baby boxes allow parents to anonymously and safely surrender an infant 21 days or younger....
Sound Money Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk
Today the Alaska Senate passed House Bill 1, recognizing gold and silver coins or stamped bullion as legal tender in Alaska if acceptable to the both buyer and seller....
Senate Passes Consumer Bill of Rights for Crypto-Kiosks
SB 249 requires kiosks to display fraud warnings, acquire licenses, enact transactions limits, cap transaction fees and encourage law enforcement cooperation.
Local Boundary Commission Bill Passes
SB 63 by Senate Minority Leader Mike Cronk updates the rules and regulations of the Local Boundary Commission (LBC) increasing citizen representation.