This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Please enable Javascript to watch this video

ST. LOUIS (KTVI) - When a child picks up a gun and shoots themselves or someone else, the adult who owns that gun may soon face stiffer prosecution under new legislation.

Monday St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce announced she us is supporting a new child firearm endangerment bill.

Under this legislation Missouri adults who leave their guns in reach of children who end up shooting someone would face stiffer prosecution. The bill says they can be charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Democratic State Representative Stacey Newman of St. Louis County is sponsoring the bill.

Missouri was the leading state in the country in 2015 with five toddlers who shot themselves or others.