Jul 20, 2006, 21:19 GMT

NEW YORK, NY, United States (UPI) -- Congress appears ready to pass a sweeping bill making it easier to track convicted sex offenders, a report said.

One major aspect of the legislation would be the creation of a national Internet database dedicated to keeping tabs on sex offenders. It also would strengthen some penalties, including allowing the death penalty for those who murder child victims.

The aim, USA Today said Thursday, is to help police locate more than 100,000 such offenders who are registered but haven`t updated their whereabouts.

About 563,000 sex offenders are registered nationwide.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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