571.031. Blair’s Law — unlawful discharge of a firearm, offense of — penalties.
Firing a gun recklessly inside city limits is illegal unless it’s in a safe or legal setting
This law makes it a crime to shoot a gun recklessly inside or into a city or town, unless certain exceptions apply.
1. This law is officially called “Blair’s Law“.
2. It’s illegal to fire a gun recklessly within or into a town or city.
3. This law doesn’t apply if the gun is fired:
- In a situation where self-defense or another legal justification applies (based on Chapter 563).
- At a shooting range that is:
- Indoors,
- Run by the state or a local government,
- Commercial (even with paid memberships), and
- Supervised by someone 18 or older.
- While legally hunting during open season (though towns can ban shooting within 1/4 mile of a house).
- To manage nuisance animals, with permission from Missouri conservation or federal wildlife officials.
- With special permission from the town’s police chief.
- By an animal control officer doing their job.
- Using blanks.
- More than a mile away from any occupied building.
- In self-defense or to protect someone from an ongoing animal attack, as long as it’s a reasonable reaction.
- To protect a pet from an animal attack, as long as it’s done reasonably.
- By law enforcement or military members acting in an official role.
4. Penalties for unlawful discharge of a firearm are:
- First offense: class A misdemeanor
- Second offense: class E felony
- Third or later offense: class D felony
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