Missouri Advances Plan for State-Run Bitcoin Reserve Fund

The Missouri House of Representatives has taken another step towards incorporating cryptocurrency into its financial management by advancing House Bill 2080. The bill aims to establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund, which would allow the state treasurer to accept voluntary contributions of Bitcoin and hold them in cold storage for at least five years.

Unlike traditional public funds, the reserve fund would not be funded through taxes. Instead, it would rely on donations from residents or local governmental entities. The bill's author, Representative Ben Keathley, has been pushing for this legislation since 2025, and it has gained traction among conservative voters who see it as a way to secure themselves against national inflation.

One of the key features of the bill is its emphasis on security protocols to protect state investments in cryptocurrency. The fund would be required to contract with independent security firms based in the United States and would not be allowed to transact with foreign entities. This would ensure that the Bitcoin held by the state are secure from hacking attempts.

If House Bill 2080 is passed, it could set a precedent for other states to follow suit. Industry analysts predict growing national demand for digital reserves, making this legislation a potentially significant step forward in the adoption of cryptocurrency.