A sweeping package of public safety reforms, including the much-anticipated “Valentine’s Law,” is set to come into effect on Wednesday across Missouri. This new legislation, encapsulated in SB-754, introduces several significant changes to state laws aimed at enhancing public safety.
Valentine’s Law
Named in honor of St. Louis County Police Detective Tony Valentine, who tragically lost his life during a high-speed police chase in 2021, Valentine’s Law addresses a gap in Missouri’s legal framework regarding vehicle pursuits. The legislation criminalizes the act of fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle, a move designed to increase accountability and reduce dangerous high-speed chases.
Previously, Missouri lacked a specific statute targeting vehicle evasion. Under this new law, the offense is formally classified as “aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle.” If a driver intentionally evades an officer who is attempting to pull them over, they face a minimum charge of a Class D felony. The severity of the charge can escalate depending on the outcomes of the pursuit, such as injury or death resulting from the evasion.
Sentences under Valentine’s Law can range from seven years to 30 years in prison, with fines reaching up to $10,000. Notably, suspects cannot contest the legality of the stop if they clearly saw the emergency lights and sirens. Governor Mike Parson signed this bill into law in July, reflecting broad bipartisan support for the measure.
Blair’s Law and the Ban on Celebratory Gunfire
Another key component of SB-754 is “Blair’s Law,” which addresses the issue of celebratory gunfire—a practice that has tragically resulted in fatal incidents. This legislation prohibits the reckless discharge of firearms within or into municipal limits.
Under Blair’s Law, the first offense of unlawful firearm discharge is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to a Class E felony upon a second offense, and further increasing for subsequent violations. The law specifically targets discharges carried out with criminal negligence. Exceptions are outlined for discharges that meet the criteria set forth in the act.
This law is named after a woman who lost her life due to celebratory gunfire, underscoring the urgency of addressing this dangerous behavior.
Additional Legislative Changes
SB-754 also introduces several other notable reforms:
Max’s Law: Named after a police K9 killed in the line of duty, this law reclassifies assaults on law enforcement animals. Assaults that do not require veterinary care remain misdemeanors, but if the animal requires medical treatment, the offense is elevated to a felony. The law also exempts law enforcement animals from penalties for biting or injuring other animals or people, provided they are in the course of their duties.
Conviction Review Unit: A new review unit within the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services will be established to investigate claims of wrongful convictions, including those where defendants pleaded guilty. This unit will review cases, offer findings to prosecuting attorneys, and allow for motions to vacate judgments during ongoing reviews.
Cyber Crimes Task Force: The Stop Cyberstalking and Harassment Task Force will be created to develop strategies and tools to combat cyberstalking and harassment. The task force will gather input from victims, law enforcement, advocates, and forensic experts, and submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly. This task force is set to operate until December 2026, with potential for extension.
Critical Incident Stress Management Program: The new program provides critical incident stress management services to 911 dispatchers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters. This initiative aims to support the mental health and well-being of emergency responders.
Avery Martinez, who covers water, agriculture, and the environment for First Alert 4, also contributes as a Report for America corps member. Report for America places emerging journalists in newsrooms to cover under-reported issues and communities, a project of The GroundTruth Project.