Rep. McCallum says eliminating vehicle decal stickers would save counties and state money

Representative McCallum told the subcommittee HB 1465 (LC 395015) would eliminate the physical decal stickers currently issued at vehicle registration renewal and instead rely on renewal records and receipts. He said the change would reduce printing, mailing and storage costs for counties and simplify the renewal process for constituents, citing an estimate of $5 million in savings for the state.

McCallum said the measure responds to technology changes — plate readers, camera systems and digital records — and that several other states have moved away from decals. He acknowledged concerns from sheriffs and chiefs about enforcement utility but said law enforcement can rely on other probable-cause indicators and that counties with limited technology could be accommodated through outreach.

Senator John Albers and other members encouraged McCallum to engage sheriffs' associations and chiefs of police before advancing the bill. Several senators noted the potential future role of digital license plates and plate-readers but asked the sponsor to provide more operational detail to address enforcement concerns.

The subcommittee concluded the hearing and adjourned without a recorded vote on HB 1465.