House bill proposes cryptocurrency discovery and audit requirements for federal agencies

What changed

Representatives Darrell Issa and Lance Gooden introduced H.R. 10317, referred to House Judiciary, to require federal agencies to scan lawfully acquired electronic evidence for cryptocurrency keys, secure discovered assets, and conduct annual digital-asset audits. The bill would require an interagency directive within 180 days after enactment and technical standards for discovery, access controls, evidence integrity, and custody-system logs. It expressly preserves existing limits on searches and seizures and existing legal protections. The bill has not changed current obligations.

Who it affects

• Federal agencies holding electronic evidence or digital assets
• Digital-asset custodians and forensic providers supporting federal investigations or recovery
• Advisers assisting clients whose digital assets or wallet evidence enter federal custody

What is still open

• Whether Congress will advance, amend, or enact the bill
• The technical standards and interagency procedures that would follow enactment
• How agencies would implement discovery and custody controls while preserving existing search limits and legal protections

What it means for an advisor

• Track the bill where client recovery or investigation matters involve digital assets in federal custody.
• Identify wallet ownership, transaction history, and custody records relevant to affected client matters without treating the proposal as a new disclosure or key-delivery obligation.
• Review any eventual custody and evidence standards with counsel and relevant service providers before changing procedures.