I live in Texas, I'm very excited to see my state develop an open attitude toward bitcoin, unfortunately every state still needs to follow federal regulatory guidelines as well, that said I would love to see the first US exchange based out of our little tech-mecca Austin, we already at least 1 ATM up there from my understanding
The Fed just has a VERY simply registration. Takes no time at all. FinCen doesn't give money transmitter licenses. They just want you to register. VERY EASY. You don't need a 'license' from the Fed. Only the state. Today, with a very very easy registration at FINCEN, you could open a bitcoin exchange in Dallas! TODAY!