State wants special car plates for sex offenders

Lawmakers in Ohio have made a proposal to force convicted sex offenders to use a fluorescent green license plate on their cars so they can be easily identified wherever they go.

A Republican and a Democrat in the Ohio state legislature are joining forces to propose this law, which is similar to other states using a variety of colors including yellow, pink or red license plates to identify drunken drivers. Rep. Michael DeBose said in a statement about this proposal:

"The fluorescent-green license plate will make the most egregious sex offenders easily identifiable."

Police said the green plates would help officials and people track these sex offenders. Currently, they are required to register with the local sheriff’s office and are prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of a school. Summitt County Police Sheriff Drew Alexander said this proposal will give peace of mind to parents and will help children identify sex offenders. Alexander joined politicians to praise this proposed law, which has to be debated in committee before a decision is made whether to put it to vote, or not. Opponents of the proposed law are worried the use of a special plate would stigmatize everyone who shared the offender’s car, including their spouse or children. Personally, I doubt this coloring of plates would work or correct the offenders’ behavior. Offenders may simply try to hide or go to another state. I think a better solution would be tough prison sentences and ask them to pay stiff penalties, including penalties to the victims. Education and psychological counseling will help fight the crime, I think. Do you agree with the proposal or what other method you would suggest?