Topeka ? It just became a more serious crime in Kansas to flee from police — especially if someone dies in the ensuing chase.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today signed a bill designed to increase the penalty for fleeing from a law enforcement officer when a death occurs during a chase.

The bill, HB 2180, will expand the list of inherently dangerous felonies to include fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. Also, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer will be considered as an act to support the charge of involuntary manslaughter

“Those who elude law enforcement officers represent a major threat to public safety,” the governor said in signing the bill. “And when their actions result in the death of another person, their potential punishment must reflect the nature of the crime.”