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Legislation drafted after a Hernando County Deputy lost his life in a car chase would toughen penalties for people who flee police.

The John Mecklenburg Act would require a murder charge for drivers that lead police on a chase that kills someone. State Senator Mike Fasano sponsored the bill in honor of the fallen deputy.

“This legislation that we passed and is on its way to the governor to be signed will include that in first, second, and third degree murder, meaning that if someone is convicted for murder under eluding and fleeing, you are going to get life in prison,” said Fasano.

Currently drivers who kill people in police chases face a third degree murder. If the governor signs the bill drivers could be charged with first or second degree murder.