Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Legislation Moves Forward in Missouri House
The Missouri House has pushed forward House Bill 2080 to the Commerce Committee, legislation that would create a state-managed Bitcoin Strategic Reserve under the supervision of the state treasurer.
Legislators in Missouri's House of Representatives moved forward with a renewed proposal for a Bitcoin strategic reserve during the previous week, advancing the measure to the House Commerce Committee as the legislation progresses through the state's lawmaking procedure.
On Feb. 19, House Bill 2080 received its referral to the House Commerce Committee for examination, where the proposed legislation will go through a public hearing process, face a committee vote, and potentially be subject to recommended modifications before it heads back to the full House chamber for deliberation and a conclusive vote on passage.
Missouri treasurer can store BTC for 5 years
In January, Missouri Representative Ben Keathley put forward House Bill 2080, which would enable the state treasurer to "invest, purchase, and hold cryptocurrency using state funds," as outlined in the bill's official summary.
Under the proposed legislation, the state treasurer would have the authority to accept gifts, grants, and donations provided by Missouri residents or governmental entities to contribute funding to the reserve program.
Additionally, the treasurer would be granted authorization to maintain custody of the Bitcoin (BTC) holdings for a period of five years, following which the assets may be transferred, liquidated, or exchanged for alternative tokens. The legislation explicitly prohibits transactions that involve foreign nations or entities operating beyond Missouri's borders.
The bill also includes provisions that would enable governmental entities to accept cryptocurrency that has received approval from the Department of Revenue, allowing citizens to settle taxes, fees, fines, or other outstanding financial obligations.
Investment management firm VanEck published speculation last year indicating that strategic Bitcoin reserves implemented at the American state level could generate demand exceeding $23 billion if widespread adoption occurs.
While a specific date for conducting the public hearing remains unscheduled at this time, the bill carries a proposed implementation date of Aug. 28, based on information from the Missouri House of Representatives.
Should House Bill 2080 successfully pass through the House chamber, the legislation will then proceed to the Senate where it will undergo readings, committee examination, floor debate sessions, and a voting process. Following Senate action, the measure would advance to the desk of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, who would decide whether to sign it into law or exercise veto power.
A similar bill died in the committee stage
Representative Keathley had previously introduced comparable legislation, identified as House Bill 1217, during February of last year; nevertheless, that earlier attempt failed to progress beyond the committee phase and was eventually discontinued.
House Bill 1217 received its referral to the House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, which conducted a public hearing session in March 2025, though the proposal never secured a committee vote that would have enabled it to advance to the full House chamber for deliberation and voting procedures.