(Photo credit: Moms Demand Action – VA Facebook page)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ A celebratory gunfire bill inspired by the tragic death of a Virginia boy last summer is heading to Gov. Terry McAuliffe. The practice involves firing a weapon into the sky, often on New Year’s Eve and July Fourth.
The Virginia Senate on Thursday unanimously approved legislation that provides stiffer penalties for those who maim or injure others with stray bullets.
The bill called “Brendon’s Law,” is named after 7 year old Brendon Mackey, who died after being struck in the head by a falling bullet at a fireworks show in central Virginia.
The bill raises the penalty to a Class 6 felony, eligible to receive up to five years in prison. The current law provides a penalty of up to one year and a $2,500 fine.
