Ohio bill targets sex predators

Ohio wants to make convicted sexual predators use fluorescent green license plates on their cars.

A bill introduced Wednesday would require all habitual and child-oriented convicted sex offenders to display the easy-to-spot plates.

No other state has tried the tactic, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, though some require a designation to appear on sex offenders’ driver’s licenses. Ohio briefly considered requiring pink plates for sex offenders but changed the color because it was associated with breast cancer survivors.

Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, who took office in January, would sign the latest bill if it passed, press secretary Keith Dailey said.

Christine Link, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, criticized the proposed requirement as political grandstanding. She said it could leave children with the idea that anyone without the special plates was safe to approach.

Republican Sen. Kevin Coughlin, who introduced the latest legislation with Democratic Rep. Michael DeBose, said the plates would send parents and children an instant message to beware.

Ohio already requires repeat drunk drivers to display bright yellow tags.