The state Senate votes to save millions of dollars a year by getting rid of one piece of metal that most of us have to buy. Senator Matt Bartle wants to solve what he calls “a terrible inefficiency in our system,” with a move he says will save the state three million dollars a year.

Bartle wants to get rid of the front license plates on our cars. Law enforcement officers claim two license plates help them enforce the laws. Bartle says Missouri police don’t seem to have any trouble stopping speeders from states that require only one plate.

Bartle says the state wastes a lot of resources by requiring two license plates–a lot of metal…and paint, and reflecting beads. Under his proposal the state would keep it all. There would be no refunds offered to Missourians who buy two plates before his proposal becomes law.

It’s not certain to become law, by the way. His plan is an amendment tacked onto another bill. There’s no assurance that amendment will stay on the bill when it gets to the House.

Listen to the floor debate on Bartle’s amendment to SB781 10:24 mp3