Celebratory gunfire in Missouri holds harsher punishments under Blairs Law

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – If you’re thinking of having some celebratory gunfire after your firework show this Fourth of July you may want to think again.

Local law enforcement agencies are warning against celebratory gunfire in Missouri as it now carries harsher consequences.

Former Missouri Governor Mike Parsons signed a public safety bill in July of 2024 that included Blairs law. Which creates state penalties for celebratory gunfire. That law is now in effect in Missouri.  

Blairs law is named for an 11-year-old Kansas City girl -Blair Shanahan Lane, who was killed in 2011 by a stray bullet during the Fourth of July.  

Sikeston DPS Public Information’s Officer Tyler Rowe shares details behind the law.  

“It is no longer an infraction. It is a class A misdemeanor which is subject to a fine and possible jail time depending on what verdict is reached” says Rowe.

The Fourth of July is the holiday known for the most celebratory gunfire in the US, but Rowe says it now carries big consequences in the state of Missouri. The first offense is now a Class A Misdemeanor which turns into a felony for any additional offences dependent on if anyone is harmed which would bring bigger offenses.  

“Previously it used to be an ordinance violation which would be run through municipal court now it is a class A misdemeanor to discharge a firearm inside the city limits” says Rowe.