TORONTO, Ont. – The family of a Toronto gas station attendant killed in an alleged gas-and-dash at a west-end gas station is pleased with a private member’s bill introduced Thursday targeting gas theft.

Jayesh Prajapati, 44, died on Sept. 15 while attempting to stop a driver pulling out of a Shell gas station at Marlee and Roselawn avenues without paying for fuel.

Tabled by Liberal MPP Mike Colle, the bill “Jayesh’s Law,” calls for mandatory pre-payment at gas stations.

Earlier this week, Colle said gas theft is “not a victimless crime.” “This is a serious threat to these workers on the spot.”

Colle’s bill also proposes increasing fines from $50,000 to $75,000 for individuals who break that law and fines for corporations increased from $100,000 to $200,000.

It would also suspend the driver’s licences of those convicted of gas theft.

Still reeling from Prajapati’s death, his family is thrilled with the bill aimed at preventing similar incidents.

“My family is so happy to see this law proposed in Jayesh’s name,” Prajapati’s sister said.

“We hope the law will pass so that other gas station attendants do not have to lose their lives.”

The family has said that Prajapati’s pay had been docked in the past for gas stolen during his shift – an illegal practice that violates the Employment Standards Act.

Shell Canada said its company rules forbid employees from intervening in gas-and-dash incidents. The gas station manager where Prajapati worked also denied the family’s claim.

The Ministry of Labour is conducting an investigation as well as a review of the family’s allegations.

Colle said he hopes the bill will pass so that something “positive” can come out of the tragedy.

Similar legislation already exists in other provinces and in the U.S.

Still, the bill does not have undivided support.

Dave Bryans, CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, is concerned whether a pre-payement policy could be integrated in rural Ontario convenience stores with gas bars.

While Colle said he was open to considering different municipal options, he would not be swayed by arguments solely about convenience.

“I think it’s well worth the inconvenience or the change to stop this horrendous practice that endangers people’s lives,” he said.

Police are urging Max Edwin Tutiven, 39, of Toronto, to turn himself in to face a charge of second-degree murder.