CLARITY Act Gets a Major Boost, But Another Setback Threatens Its 2026 Passage

One major organization that was previously against the legislation has turned neutral.

The CLARITY Act received a potentially important boost ahead of its first Senate floor test, which was supposed to take place on September 15, but another scheduling setback is further threatening its chances of becoming law this year.

On the plus side, the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) has changed its tune on the landmark crypto market structure bill from opposition to neutral after previously raising concerns that it could make it more difficult for authorities to combat illicit finance involving digital assets.

NSA Turns Neutral

In the filing to the US Senate, the agency said that it believes the appropriate course is to step back and allow the legislative process to continue given the legislation’s complexity and the issues still being negotiated. This change matters because law enforcement concerns had become a major hurdle for some Senate Democrats whose votes could determine whether the bill advances.

Although the NSA’s move doesn’t mean that it now supports the legislation, its shift from opposition to neutrality removes a source of pressure on senators considering voting to advance it. Essentially, it removes another potential obstacle to attracting the Democratic support the bill needs when it reaches the Senate floor later this month.