Jefferson City, MO — Governor Mike Parson of Missouri is preparing to sign a new law that will ban celebratory gunfire across the state. The legislation, known as Blair’s Law, is named in memory of Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11-year-old girl who was tragically killed by a stray bullet during July 4th celebrations in 2011.

What is Blair’s Law?

Blair’s Law aims to address the dangerous practice of firing guns into the air during celebrations, such as New Year’s Eve and Independence Day. This practice, known as celebratory gunfire, has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities over the years. Under the new law, anyone who recklessly discharges a firearm within or into the limits of any municipality will face severe penalties.

Penalties Under Blair’s Law

• First Offense: Classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.
• Second Offense: Upgraded to a Class E felony, carrying a penalty of up to four years in prison.
• Subsequent Offenses: Considered a Class D felony, with a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

There are exceptions for law enforcement officers, individuals in indoor shooting ranges, those acting in self-defense, and others more than a mile away from any occupied residence​.

The Tragic Story Behind the Law

Blair Shanahan Lane was playing in her yard on July 4, 2011, when a bullet, fired into the air as part of a celebration, struck and killed her. Since then, her mother, Michele Shanahan DeMoss, has been on a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of celebratory gunfire and to advocate for stricter laws.

Michele Shanahan DeMoss has dedicated 13 years to seeing this legislation come to fruition. During the final debate and vote in the Missouri House of Representatives, she watched from the gallery and received a standing ovation from the lawmakers. This moment marked the culmination of her relentless efforts to turn her family’s tragedy into a powerful force for change​.

Support and Opposition

Blair’s Law received overwhelming support in the Missouri Legislature, passing the House with a vote of 130 to 5. Governor Parson had previously vetoed a similar bill due to unrelated provisions, but he has expressed his full support for the current version. He plans to hold a signing ceremony in Kansas City, where Blair lived, to honor her memory and the law named after her.

Implementation and Education

The law is set to take effect on August 28, 2024. Its success will heavily rely on public education and enforcement. Authorities hope to educate younger individuals, who are more likely to engage in celebratory gunfire, about the deadly risks and the new, stricter penalties. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors will also play a crucial role in enforcing the law and ensuring that offenders are held accountable​.

Blair’s Law represents a significant step towards enhancing public safety and preventing future tragedies caused by celebratory gunfire. By turning their personal grief into a legislative victory, Blair’s family hopes to spare others from experiencing similar heartache.