Missouri is taking another step toward adding Bitcoin to its financial strategy, with lawmakers advancing a bill that would create a state Bitcoin reserve to the House Commerce Committee after a similar effort stalled last year.
The proposal, introduced by Republican Representative Ben Keathley, aims to set up a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund managed by the state treasury.
According to the bill, the State Treasurer would be able to receive Bitcoin gifts, grants, or donations from citizens and the government and hold them as part of the state’s reserves.
Importantly, any Bitcoin received would have to be held for at least five years before being sold or converted, showing the state is considering Bitcoin as a long-term asset rather than a short-term investment.
Missouri bill would expand state treasurer’s authority to use cryptocurrency
The proposed bill would give Missouri’s State Treasurer broader authority to actively use cryptocurrency in state finances.
It enables the Treasurer to acquire digital assets with state funds and enables government agencies to accept approved forms of cryptocurrency as payment for taxes, fees, and other charges.
The act also emphasizes transparency by requiring a public report every two years on the management and use of the crypto reserve.
The bill progressed earlier this year after receiving its first and second readings in January 2026 and was referred to the House Commerce Committee on February 19.
Missouri tries the Bitcoin reserve play again after last year’s miss
Missouri lawmakers are trying a second attempt at getting the bill through, after a similar proposal failed last year.
Representative Ben Keathley had previously introduced a similar bill in 2025, but it died in committee and did not become a law.
However, with a new bill now being considered by a different committee, the state is now attempting to make the concept a reality.
The move comes as interest in the country’s Bitcoin reserves has begun to rise throughout the U.S. Following the federal government’s move to create a national strategic Bitcoin reserve in 2025, several states are now considering similar initiatives.
Kansas and Florida are currently considering similar bills, while Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire have already passed legislation regarding crypto reserves.