Missouri introduces bill to ban CBDCs, improve gold reserves

The Missouri Senate has introduced a bill to prohibit central bank digital currencies as legal tender while encouraging the state to hold more of its reserves in gold and silver.

Known as SB 194, the legislation was filed on December 1 and is sponsored by Senator Rick Brattin.

The bill aims to block public entities from accepting or participating in CBDC programs. It also mandates that the State Treasurer hold at least 1% of state funds in physical gold and silver. An exemption on capital gains taxes further incentivizes these metals.

CBDCs are digital currencies issued by central banks, such as the Federal Reserve, and are designed to function as a digital version of a country’s currency. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), which are decentralized and operate without a central authority, CBDCs are tightly controlled by governments. 

Critics of CBDCs cite concerns over privacy, government surveillance, and the potential erosion of state sovereignty.

Missouri’s legal definition of “money”

Under SB 194, CBDCs are excluded from the legal definition of “money” in Missouri’s Uniform Commercial Code, a set of laws governing commercial transactions. Public entities would also be prohibited from participating in federal pilot programs testing CBDC systems.

“The act also modifies the definition of ‘money’ for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code to exclude central bank digital currency from its meaning,” the bill’s summary read. 

The bill also enhances the role of gold and silver in Missouri’s financial framework. It declares these metals as legal tender, meaning they can be used to settle debts at their market value. The legislation also exempts gains from the sale of gold and silver from state income taxes, aligning with existing exemptions on sales tax for these assets.

Supporters of SB 194 argue that it is a step toward preserving financial privacy and limiting centralized control over digital transactions. The requirement to store a portion of state funds in gold and silver is intended to strengthen financial stability by relying on historically stable assets.

If passed, SB 194 could position Missouri as a state prioritizing financial independence and alternatives to federally controlled digital systems.