Rick Scott, Jennifer Carroll to sign 'Deputy Mecklenburg Act'

Gov. Rick Scott and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll will visit the Hernando County Sheriffs Office on Friday for a ceremonial signing ofa bill named after a 22-year veteran deputy who was killed last July in a high-speed chase.

House Bill 667, the "Deputy John C. Mecklenburg Act," increases the penalties against a suspect if a law enforcement officer or bystander is killed while a suspect of a crime is fleeing or eluding law enforcement officers.

Scott signed the bill into law April 6.

This bill, which goes into effect Oct. 1, will also allow those accused to be charged with first- or second-degree murder -- the former being punishable up to death or life imprisonment.