Missouri Bitcoin Reserve Bill Advances to House Committee

Missouri lawmakers have introduced a bill that could see the state join other U.S. states in exploring state cryptocurrency reserves. House Bill 2080, which was referred to the House Commerce Committee on February 19, would allow the state treasurer to invest in and hold Bitcoin using state funds, gifts, and donations.

The treasurer would be able to hold Bitcoin for up to five years before selling or transferring it, with a provision allowing government entities to accept cryptocurrencies approved by the Department of Revenue for taxes and fees. Transactions involving foreign countries or entities outside of Missouri would be banned under the proposal.

This is not the first time that Missouri lawmakers have attempted to pass such legislation. A nearly identical bill was introduced in 2024 but failed to move forward after a public hearing. If House Bill 2080 clears the House, it would then move to the Senate for its own review process and eventually to Governor Mike Kehoe for a signature or veto.

Missouri is not alone in exploring state cryptocurrency reserves. Several other U.S. states are pursuing similar legislation, with some already taking steps to implement their plans. For example, Texas purchased around $20 million worth of Bitcoin last November, and Arizona lawmakers recently advanced a bill to hold Bitcoin and XRP in reserve using seized crypto assets.