SPRINGFIELD — A proposed law that would have removed the front license plates on Illinois cars and trucks failed an early test Tuesday.
A House committee voted 4-2 against the measure, which would require drivers have just one plate in the rear of their vehicle.
State Rep. Jerry Mitchell, R-Sterling, sponsored the measure and said it would save the state $800,000.
Law enforcement officials across the state, including the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Sheriff’s Association, were opposed to the measure.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, which oversees license plate assignments and distribution, also opposed the proposal.
“The front license plate plays a crucial role in being able to apprehend an individual that is wanted for a crime,” said Limey Nargelenas, director for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
Mitchell contended, however, that the savings could lead to less layoffs being issued in Illinois, including in the state police department.
“It could definitely save jobs with the state police or even with the secretary of state,” Mitchell said. “If you can’t find $800,000 somewhere else and you have that hole in the budget, something has got to go.”
Nineteen states do not require a front license plate, including Indiana and Michigan.
Mitchell said he is going to talk to committee members and may bring up the measure again later in the legislative session.
The legislation is House Bill 4888.
Read the original article from Herald & Review.
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