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CINCINNATI - Lawmakers in Ohio said today they want to force convicted sex offenders to use a fluorescent-green license plate on their cars so they can be easily identified.
A Republican and a Democrat in the state legislature have joined forces to propose the law, which echoes measures in several US states that require convicted drunken drivers to use a yellow, pink or red plate on their cars.
"The fluorescent-green license plate will make the most egregious sex offenders easily identifiable," state Democratic Rep. Michael DeBose said in a statement.
Police said the green plates would allow them to track sex offenders, who are already required to register with the local sheriff's office and are prohibited from living within 300 metres of a school.
"It will give Ohio families a great peace of mind knowing that their children will be able to recognise where this danger exists," Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander said.
Opponents of the proposed law argue the use of a special plate would stigmatise everyone who shared the offender's car -- including their spouse or children.
The proposed law will be debated in committee before a decision is made whether to put the proposal to a vote.
- REUTERS
