Missouri Governor, Mike Parson, has crucial choice to make about “Blair’s Law.” This bill is intended to increase penalties for firing guns in celebration. It got its name from Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11-year-old girl hit and killed by a random bullet incident in Kansas City. For nearly 13 years, Blair’s mom, Michele Shanahan De-Moss, has worked hard pushing this law.

About the Case

In an unfortunate event on July 4, 2011, Blair Shanahan Lane was struck by a stray bullet while enjoying fireworks. The bullet covered an unbelievable three football fields distance before hitting her neck. Her mother became motivated by this sad incident to push for stricter celebratory gunfire laws to prevent such unnecessary tragedies.

About the Legislation

‘Blair’s Law’ intends to get tougher penalties for those who fire guns in celebration. The bill considers it an illegal firearm discharge crime when someone negligently shoots within city limits. A second offense of recklessly discharging a firearm under this law may be treated as a Class E felony.

Promotion and Support

Missouri State Representative Mark Sharp, the backer of ‘Blair’s Law’, is positive about the bill’s prospects. “I thought we were already ahead since the bill cleared the last session,” Sharp said optimistically. He encouraged Governor Parson to have a symbolic signing in Kansas City where Blair lost her life.

John Sharp agrees with him fully. As President of South Kansas City Alliance, he thinks that due to high violent crime rates and homicides in the city community now understands why such legislation is needed saying it’s not normal with amounts of celebratory and careless gunfire.

Past Difficulties

Blair’s Law was part of a larger legal bill that Governor Parson rejected last year, not rejecting the ‘Blair’s Law’ sections but a controversial provision about compensation for wrongly accused people. This year, that provision has been left out increasing chances of the bill being signed off as law.

Personal Efforts and Dreams

Michele Shanahan De-Moss has been a relentless promoter for Blair’s Law. Despite her own sorrow, she even travelled to Jefferson City multiple times sharing her daughter’s story to push for reform. “It would be great to have in place a law punishing such careless and irresponsible acts without any hesitation,” she stated.

Senator Tony Luetkemeyer agrees by pointing out the importance of the bill saying, “’Blair’s Law’ aims to fix tough cases involving celebratory gunfire.”

Additional Proposals

‘Blair’s Law’ is part of a wider public safety bill including some other regulations,

‘Max’s Law’, Tougher fines for attacking police animals. A Class A misdemeanor if veterinary treatment is needed and Class D felony if animal dies.
‘Valentine’s Law’, For St. Louis County Police Detective Antonio Valentine It’s a felony to run from police while committing crime.
Juvenile Justice Reform, raising minimum age from 12 to 14 to be tried as adult with exceptions for dangerous felonies.

Effect on Community

The Gunfire detection system of Kansas City Police Department in Missouri recorded nearly 1200 shots during holidays like New Year’s Eve. Celebratory gunfire is putting public safety at risk on such occasions. Blair’s law wants to tackle this problem directly.

Final Say

‘Blair’s Law’ is more than just legislation. It’s a mother’s relentless fight following her daughter’s tragic loss. Now that the bill has reached Governor Parson’s desk, there are hopes it would become law giving justice to Blair and preventing similar future incidents.

Last Words

Michele Shanahan De-Moss seems hopeful saying, “I am an affected individual who experienced tragedy and ready to put closure on its dreadful part.” If Governor Parson agrees, the approval of ‘Blair’s Law’ would be a major win in Missouri fight against gun violence while community waits for his decision.