Missouri Considers Establishing Bitcoin Reserve Following Approval of New Bill
Missouri legislators have taken a significant step towards allowing the state to hold Bitcoin after a new bill was advanced for committee review. The proposed legislation aims to create a separate fund within the state treasury to manage and retain Bitcoin under specific regulations.
The idea has garnered both praise and concern from various sectors of finance and government.
House Bill 2080 Advances for Further Review
House Bill 2080 has been moved to the House Commerce Committee for additional hearings and potential votes, according to reports.
This progression allows lawmakers the opportunity to consult with experts, listen to public testimonies, and make amendments to the proposal before it proceeds to a full vote. While time is limited in the current session, the committee stage paves the way for the measure to move forward more clearly.
Key Points of the Bill
According to sources, the bill proposes the establishment of a “Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund” to be overseen by the state treasurer. The fund would be eligible to receive Bitcoin as gifts, grants, donations, bequests, or devises from qualified Missouri residents or specific government entities.
Assets allocated to the fund would be subject to a minimum five-year holding period before any conversion, transfer, or sale could take place.
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Missouri lawmakers have moved House Bill 2080 to the State House Commerce Committee.
The proposal would create a Bitcoin $BTC Strategic Reserve Fund inside the state treasury.
Holdings must be kept for… pic.twitter.com/PPww8sP3tP
— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 23, 2026
Operational Details of the Fund
As outlined in the official bill text, the treasurer must adhere to custody protocols aimed at safeguarding the assets, including cold-storage measures and restrictions on engaging with foreign entities or individuals associated with illicit activities.
Third-party custodial agreements are permitted to secure the holdings, and the treasurer is required to publish a biennial report disclosing the fund’s contents and management.
Supporters and Critics Weigh In
Advocates of the bill, introduced by Ben Keathley, argue that it provides a mechanism for the state to accept crypto donations without exposing general funds to unmitigated risks.
Opponents raise concerns regarding price volatility and the potential political risks associated with allocating public assets to a single volatile asset. The debate is expected to focus on the stringency of the safeguards required and the necessity of the state’s exposure to Bitcoin.
The proposal includes specific transparency guidelines, requiring the treasurer to publish a report by December 31 of every even-numbered year detailing holdings, transactions, and security measures implemented.
Transactions involving individuals or entities outside the state with known ties to illegal activities would be prohibited. These provisions aim to minimize legal and reputational risks while maintaining a transparent record for public scrutiny.
Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
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