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Regulatory Preemption

Definition

Regulatory preemption occurs when a higher level of government law overrides or supersedes a lower level of government law concerning the same subject matter. In the context of digital assets, this typically refers to federal regulations taking precedence over state or local laws. It establishes a uniform legal standard, preventing a patchwork of conflicting rules across different jurisdictions. This concept is crucial for determining which governmental body has ultimate authority over digital asset activities.