Shannon's law refers to specific changes in Arizona statutes, enacted in 2000, making it a felony offense to discharge firearms randomly into the air.

Smith's parents, after being informed that the assailant's activity constituted, at most, a misdemeanor offense, advocated stronger penalties, to prevent future incidents of this kind.

Their efforts were supported by councilman Phil Gordon,[4] the city council of Tucson, and president of the National Rifle Association Charlton Heston.

As random discharge of firearms are common in some areas of the United States on New Year's Eve, Fourth of July, and other holidays, four arrests of Shannon's law violators were made that night, and it is expected that more Arizona police departments will receive similar equipment.

A sunflower monument, made with melted metal from confiscated firearms, was raised in her honor at Madison Meadows Middle School by her classmates and friends.