Solana CEO urges Senate to protect open-source developers

Kristin Smith, chief executive of the Solana Institute, urged senators to pass the CLARITY Act while keeping explicit protections for open‑source developers, validators and non‑custodial wallet providers. In a thread on X, she warned the bill “has a real shot at passing the Senate” and urged lawmakers to preserve safeguards for software creators who do not control funds or execute transactions.

More than 60 crypto founders and executives, including Solana co‑founder Anatoly Yakovenko, signed an open letter asking senators to retain strong protections for developers in the legislation. The signers argue that many protocol contributors publish code but do not custody user assets or carry out transfers, and therefore should not be treated as brokers or custodians.

Smith pointed to the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, introduced in January by Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ron Wyden, as a complementary measure. The BRCA would prevent noncontrolling software developers and infrastructure providers from being classified as money transmitters solely for publishing software code.

Legislative activity on the CLARITY Act has accelerated. The bill cleared the Senate Banking Committee in May and was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, which can lead to a floor vote later in the summer. Industry leaders have said that clear, specific language about developer status should be included if the bill moves quickly.

Comments from U.S. regulators have reinforced the industry request. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce told attendees at a Princeton blockchain event that publishing open‑source blockchain code is a protected activity, noting that “many blockchain projects involve publishing open‑source software, which is generally a protected activity under the First Amendment.” SEC Chair Paul Atkins has said he intends to move away from a “regulation through enforcement” approach to digital assets.

Lawmakers preparing to consider the CLARITY Act will weigh whether to include explicit text that distinguishes noncontrolling developers and infrastructure providers from entities that custody or transfer customer funds. The outcome could shape how developers and protocol operators are treated under federal law as the bill advances toward possible Senate floor consideration.