Ohio Senate president wants probe of car registrations

COLUMBUS, (AP) — The president of the Ohio Senate has called for hearings on a policy that allowed thousands of illegal immigrants to register cars and get Ohio license plates.

The Columbus Dispatch reported on the problem last weekend and said outgoing Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzman delayed a fix for more than a year. Through a spokeswoman, Guzman declined comment.

Records show that Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles investigators have considered the state to be a haven for illegal immigrants registering vehicles.

Senate President Bill Harris, a Republican from Ashland, says Ohio has a responsibility to maintain driving privileges that protect public safety. He says the hearings will focus on the registration policy, its shortcomings, and why changes too so long.