Protect Our Children

By Greg Stephens

The California legislature has failed 83 times to strengthen the laws that could have prevented the recent tragic deaths of young girls in San Diego County.

First, it will require registered sex offenders to renew their driver's licenses every year in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. This will help parole officers track offenders' residences and whereabouts.

Second, the bill will create a special classification of driver's license for offenders. The number 290 (law enforcement's code for sex offender) will appear on offenders' licenses. This will allow any police officer confronting an offender to immediately recognize with whom he or she is dealing.

Failure to comply with the renewal procedure will be a parole violation. The penalty will be suspension of the offender's license and possible revocation of parole.