Missouri lawmakers are once again moving forward with legislation that could allow the state to hold Bitcoin as part of its financial strategy. A newly introduced bill, House Bill 2080, has advanced to the House Commerce Committee, marking the next step in the state’s effort to establish a Bitcoin strategic reserve.
The proposal signals growing interest among U.S. states in exploring cryptocurrency as a potential long-term asset, especially as digital assets continue gaining mainstream attention.
Missouri Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill Moves to House Commerce Committee
House Bill 2080 was introduced in January by Missouri Representative Ben Keathley. The bill would authorize the Missouri state treasurer to invest, purchase, and hold cryptocurrency using state funds. Most notably, it would allow the treasurer to store Bitcoin for up to five years.
Under the proposal, the state treasurer could also accept gifts, grants, and donations from Missouri residents and government entities to help fund the reserve. After the five-year holding period, the Bitcoin could be transferred, sold, or converted into another digital asset.
However, the bill places clear restrictions on transactions involving foreign countries or entities outside of Missouri. The legislation also outlines provisions that would allow certain government entities to accept cryptocurrency approved by the Department of Revenue for payments such as taxes, fees, and fines.
House Bill 2080 was referred to the House Commerce Committee on February 19. The committee will conduct a public hearing, hold a vote, and may recommend amendments before sending the bill back to the House floor for debate and a final vote. If passed by the House, it would move on to the Senate for further consideration before heading to the governor’s desk.
The proposed effective date of the legislation is August 28, according to the Missouri House of Representatives.
Interest in state-level Bitcoin reserves has grown in recent years. Asset manager VanEck previously estimated that if multiple U.S. states adopted strategic Bitcoin reserves, it could generate more than $23 billion in demand for the cryptocurrency.
Similar Missouri Bitcoin Bill Failed in Committee Last Year
This is not Missouri’s first attempt at creating a Bitcoin reserve. Representative Keathley introduced a similar measure, House Bill 1217, in February of last year. That bill was referred to the House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and received a public hearing in March 2025.
Despite the hearing, House Bill 1217 did not advance to a committee vote and ultimately stalled without reaching the House floor for debate.
The revival of the proposal through House Bill 2080 suggests renewed legislative interest in positioning Missouri as a crypto-friendly state. If successful, the bill could place Missouri among the first U.S. states to formally establish a Bitcoin strategic reserve, potentially influencing broader adoption of digital assets at the state level.
