https://cw34.com/news/local/south-florida-senator-proposes-marked-license-distinctive-fluorescent-plates-for-registered-sex-offenders-florida-action-committee-requires-licenses-of-registered-sex-offenders-in-the-state-to-have-the-words-sexual-offender-written-in-red-april-28-2023

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida Senator Lauren Book, (D) Broward proposed an amendment Tuesday to SB 1252 that would require changes to offender's licenses and license plates.

The amendment added on Tuesday requires licenses of registered sex offenders in the state to have the words "sexual offender" written in red, it also requires the license plates of vehicles they own, lease, or operate be marked by a distinctive fluorescent green plate.

CBS12's Amber Raub says the amendment added on Tuesday requires licenses of registered sex offenders in the state to have the words "sexual offender" written in red, it also requires the license plates of vehicles they own, lease, or operate be marked by a distinctive fluorescent green plate. (WPEC)

A volunteer with the Florida Action Committee, who wishes to remain anonymous, fears how extreme this bill is. He says he's on the sex offender registry, so if this bill passes he will be directly affected.

“I was an 18-year-old kid that made a stupid mistake and it's followed me the rest of my life...I've been in society for the last eight years and never had another crime ever had another traffic ticket, never been pulled over," he said.

He served time for his crime years ago and if this passes, he's worried he and his family will become targets.

“I have a wife I have three kids and I have a great job. When does the punishment end? Because at this point now you're not just punishing me. You're punishing my family," he said.

Residents we spoke with about the bill had mixed reactions to the amendment.

“Well, I think if it's something that protects the community and everyone that's involved in it, I think that they should make that decision," said resident Gloria Ben.

“I want to make sure that this isn't abused as well, because there are a lot of ways people can end up on the sex registry list when it has nothing to do with any type of sexual offense or anything like that. So if we are to implement this, I do want to see some more regulation on how this is actually going to trade. But other than that, I think it's a good start," said resident Dominic Fonseca.

The bill was supposed to be discussed on Friday but was pushed to Monday instead.

We reached out to Sen. Book for an interview. She was not available for comment.

If the bill passes through both chambers, then it would go into effect on January 1, 2024.