Missouri House Forwards Bill 2080 to Launch a State-Backed Bitcoin Reserve
- The Missouri House moves Bill 2080 ahead, targeting a long-term state Bitcoin reserve.
- The plan gives the Treasurer custody powers with strict reporting and security rules.
- Renewed effort follows a prior bill that stalled before digital asset momentum grew.
The Missouri House has pushed Bill 2080 deeper into the legislative process, giving new momentum to a proposal that would place Bitcoin inside a state-managed reserve for the first time in Missouri’s history.
The measure surfaced early in the 103rd General Assembly and quickly cleared its initial readings before landing in the House Commerce Committee on Feb. 19. Per reports, it is a renewed attempt by lawmakers to formalize a digital asset strategy after an earlier effort stalled last year.
Essentially, Bill 2080 lays out a clear structure but stops short of grand promises, instead centering on custody, oversight, and a long holding horizon. According to an official report, the Missouri State Treasurer would take charge of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund, built under Chapter 30 of state law.
Besides, residents could donate Bitcoin directly to the state, including through estate transfers, with each contribution locked in secure storage for no less than five years. Only after that window could the Treasurer consider any sale or conversion.
Inside the Structure of Missouri’s Proposed Bitcoin Reserve
The legislation outlines a framework that leans heavily on security and compliance. Basically, Bill 2080 bars foreign or unlawful involvement in the reserve, limiting participation to approved U.S.-based partners that may assist with custody or related services.
The Treasurer, for instance, would be required to issue biennial reports detailing holdings, storage protocols, and any changes to reserve management. These reports stand as the main public-facing accountability mechanism. The proposal also introduces a simplified donation process.
Individuals who transfer Bitcoin to the state could receive recognition through a formal acknowledgment program. Beyond donations, the bill directs government agencies to accept specified cryptocurrency payments once the operational framework is established, effectively weaving digital assets into certain public-facing transactions.
A Renewed Push After an Earlier Bill Fell Short
This measure marks Representative Ben Keathley’s second push to create a state-backed Bitcoin structure. His earlier bill, HB 1217, surfaced in February 2025 and contained similar provisions, including Treasurer oversight and long-term custody requirements.
That effort received a committee hearing in March 2025 but never advanced and expired at the end of the session. However, Bill 2080 reopens the discussion in a different committee and in a broader political climate.
Notably, over the past year, several states have taken steps to explore or adopt their Bitcoin reserve plans, while national policy changes have reshaped expectations about digital asset management. The Missouri House is now positioning itself to revisit an idea that gained traction elsewhere after Missouri’s first attempt fell short.
National Shifts Push States Toward Bitcoin Reserve Strategies
Interest in the public sector Bitcoin reserves accelerated in 2025 when the federal government established its national strategic reserve under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
That move set off a wave of state-level proposals. Lawmakers in Kansas and Florida introduced similar measures, while Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire passed legislation supporting digital reserve structures.
If passed, Bill 2080 would place Missouri among states evaluating Bitcoin as part of long-term treasury planning rather than speculative investment. By setting strict custody horizons and barring volatile short-term maneuvers, the bill adopts a conservative approach that mirrors the direction of several recently drafted state policies.
Related: New SEC Policy Allows 2% Haircut Rule for Stablecoin Capital
Next Steps in the Bill 2080 Legislative Path
Overall, if enacted, Bill 2080 would take effect in August 2026. The measure focuses narrowly on asset handling, reporting, and donation pathways, framing Bitcoin as a strategic contribution rather than a tool for immediate fiscal operations.
Whether the Missouri House ultimately backs the concept will depend on upcoming committee discussions, but the forward movement alone signals a notable shift. Missouri is again weighing whether digital assets deserve a foothold in its treasury strategy, this time with broader national precedent behind it.
