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.

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.