Bitcoin Reserve Proposal Returns to the Spotlight
Missouri lawmakers are once again pushing for a state-managed Bitcoin strategic reserve, as House Bill 2080 has officially been referred to the House Commerce Committee. The proposal revives momentum after a similar 2025 initiative, HB 1217, stalled at the committee stage and failed to reach the House floor.
The new bill, introduced by Rep. Ben Keathley, reflects a broader wave of state-level digital asset experimentation across the United States. Recent legislative activity in places like Texas and New Hampshire has strengthened the argument that Bitcoin reserves are no longer a fringe idea but part of a growing fiscal strategy discussion.
If approved by committee, the bill would proceed through markup discussions before a full House vote, placing Missouri among the states actively debating sovereign-style Bitcoin accumulation.
Structure of the Proposed Bitcoin Fund
Under HB 2080, the proposed Bitcoin strategic reserve fund would be housed within the Missouri state treasury, with the state treasurer designated as the sole custodian. The bill outlines a dual capitalization strategy designed to grow the reserve without relying solely on taxpayer funds.
First, the treasurer would be authorized to accept voluntary Bitcoin contributions, including gifts, grants, and bequests from residents or other governmental entities. Second, the legislation empowers the state to directly purchase and hold Bitcoin using public funds, positioning the asset as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
Supporters argue that this approach mirrors corporate treasury strategies seen in recent years while adapting them to public finance.
Strict Guardrails and Security Requirements
To address concerns around volatility and mismanagement, the bill imposes strict operational safeguards. Any Bitcoin entering the fund would be subject to a mandatory five-year holding period, during which it cannot be sold or liquidated.
Additionally, the legislation requires cold-storage custody solutions, keeping assets offline to reduce cyber risk. The treasurer would also be permitted to contract with qualified U.S.-based third-party custodians for added administrative and security oversight.
The proposal explicitly bans transactions involving foreign governments, out-of-state entities, or parties linked to illicit activity, reinforcing compliance standards.
Transparency provisions are also central to the bill. A biennial public report would be required by December 31 of every even-numbered year, detailing the fund’s U.S. dollar valuation, total Bitcoin holdings, and any reported security incidents.
Expanding Bitcoin’s Role in State Payments
Beyond reserve accumulation, the bill seeks to expand Bitcoin’s practical utility within Missouri. Government agencies would be allowed to accept Department of Revenue-approved cryptocurrencies for taxes, fines, and fees.
To ensure fiscal neutrality, agencies could charge service fees to offset the technical infrastructure costs associated with digital asset payments. Lawmakers backing the bill argue this could modernize state revenue systems without increasing taxpayer burdens.
Missouri in the National Crypto Race
Missouri’s renewed effort arrives amid intensifying competition among U.S. states exploring crypto-forward policies. Earlier this month, Arizona advanced a similar reserve model that includes additional digital assets such as XRP after overcoming prior legislative resistance.
Proponents in Jefferson City contend that Missouri is well-positioned to lead the charge. They point to ongoing efforts to eliminate capital gains taxes on Bitcoin as part of a broader strategy to cultivate a thriving digital asset ecosystem.
Whether HB 2080 succeeds where its predecessor failed remains uncertain. However, the bill’s referral to committee signals that Bitcoin reserves are becoming a serious policy conversation, not just a symbolic gesture.
If approved, Missouri would join a small but growing group of states experimenting with long-term public-sector Bitcoin holdings - a move that could reshape how governments think about treasury diversification in the digital age.
