COLUMBUS — Teen-agers as young as 14 could be labeled sexual predators for life under a bill signed Friday by Gov. Bob Taft.

        The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jay Hottinger, a Newark Republican, would extend the state's version of Megan's Law to teen-agers 14 and older.

        The new law, to take effect in January, will allow judges to label teen-age offenders with one of three adult labels: sexual predator, habitual sex offender or sexually oriented offender.

        Under Megan's Law, adults labeled a sexual predator must register with authorities where they live for life.

        A habitual sex offender must register with authorities for 20 years, and a sexually oriented offender for 10 years.

        The law will give judges discretion on whether to require the labels for 14- and 15-year-olds who are first-time sex offenders.

        “Most of us probably don't want to believe that any juvenile is capable of murder, rape or sexual battery, but it is a reality we must address and take a firm stance against,” Mr. Hottinger said.

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