Missouri Advances Bill to Create State Bitcoin Reserve

Missouri advances House Bill 2080 to create a state Bitcoin reserve, enabling custody, donations, oversight, and potential crypto payments under treasury management.

Missouri lawmakers have advanced new legislation proposing a state-managed Bitcoin reserve fund. The proposal marks renewed political interest in digital assets following previous failures. Moreover, the move puts Missouri among many U.S. states reconsidering the strategy of diversification of the treasury.

Missouri House Panel Reviews Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Proposal

House Bill 2080 was introduced during the 103rd General Assembly of Missouri. Representative Ben Keathley sponsored the measure. On February 19, 2026, the bill was sent to the House Commerce Committee. For this reason, the proposal now goes into detailed review and potential hearings with the public.

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The bill attempts to create a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund. The fund would be operated within RSMo Chapter 30 of state law. In addition, it would be administered directly by the Missouri State Treasurer. Therefore, oversight and the custody responsibilities would be centralized within the treasury.

Under the proposal, the Treasurer may accept donations or bequests in Bitcoin. Eligible Missouri residents and governmental entities could donate digital assets. However, foreign involvement or illegal sources would be specifically banned. This clause is intended to enhance compliance and low regulatory concerns.

Furthermore, Bitcoin obtained for the reserve has to be kept in cold storage. The legislation requires a holding period of at least 5 years. During this period, assets cannot be sold, transferred, or converted. As a result, the framework promotes long-term management of the reserves instead of short-term speculative behavior.

Key Provisions Outline Custody, Payments, and Oversight Rules

House Bill 2080 authorizes the State Treasurer to exercise organized Bitcoin control. The Treasurer is allowed to invest, buy, and securely hold Bitcoin from state funds. In addition, approved US-based crypto service providers can be of help with the operational processes.

Security and transparency requirements are a key part of the bill. The Treasurer is bound to implement strict custodial and cybersecurity provisions. What’s more, independent audits and biennial performance reports are called for. Such disclosures would summarize holdings, storage safeguards, and general fund activity.

The legislation also introduces a simplified process of donating with Bitcoin. Contributors could follow well-defined transfer procedures set by the treasury. Additionally, a recognition program would recognise participating residents or entities.

Another notable provision involves cryptocurrency payments for government obligations. State and local agencies can accept approved digital assets. However, acceptance requires the authorization of the Department of Revenue. Therefore, taxes, fees, and fines may eventually be paid off with designated cryptocurrencies.

Missouri’s is a second legislative effort at a Bitcoin reserve. A similar proposal, HB 1217, stalled during committee review in 2025. As a result, legislators have made changes that highlight custody standards and compliance protections.

If passed in both legislative chambers, the bill would move on to Governor Mike Kehoe. The proposal provides for an effective date of August 28, 2026. Meanwhile, Missouri joins more than 15 states in the US exploring the idea of digital asset reserve policies.

The official text of the bill and summary can be found at the Missouri House records. Legislative documents set out custody rules, reporting obligations, and eligibility requirements. Observers point out that Bitcoin’s reserve proposals are politically and economically controversial. Nevertheless, Missouri’s examination indicates state-level engagement with digital asset policy continues.