Starting this summer, ads in license plate renewal notices will go away, and some legislators want to make that change permanent.

In 2006, the state Department of Revenue contracted with Massachusetts-based Imagitas, Inc., to print those notices. In return, the company has the right to sell and insert advertisements.

But, that company has decided to pull out of its agreement as of July, according to Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton.

Stouffer said that is reason enough to vote down a proposal from Sen. Tim Green, D-Spanish Lake, to ban the ads outright.

Green said receiving “junk mail” in state mailings is simply wrong.

“What’s the difference between this and having corporate sponsors start naming state buildings?” he said Wednesday.

A majority of his colleagues agreed. Senators voted 20-14 to attach Green’s proposal to a large transportation bill sponsored by Stouffer.

The revenue department says the advertising contract saves roughly $800,000 in printing costs.

Green’s proposal had been voted down in the Senate Transportation Committee, which is chaired by Stouffer. He said he does not want to “close the door” on any future advertising contracts.

Incidentally, Green also attached his proposal for a drunk driving memorial sign program, which the House passed earlier this month.

After considering several other amendments, the Senate gave first-round approval to the transportation bill Wednesday evening.