City Council members have watered down a bill to regulate the costumed characters besieging Times Square, in an effort to get it passed after languishing for 18 months.

The latest plan cuts licensing fees from $170 to $30 and drops a fingerprint requirement for cartoon characters (like Elmo, above).

Critics faulted the bill’s lack of provisions to revoke licenses over shady behavior or to slap violators with criminal penalties.

“The lack of any criminal penalty provides a significant challenge to enforcing the registration framework,” NYPD’s Manhattan South Chief William Morris testified at a Wednesday hearing.

Department of Consumer Affairs Deputy Commissioner Amit Bagga also noted the measure wouldn’t allow the city to “deny, revoke or refuse to renew registrations.” The bill’s original and current sponsor, Councilman Andy King (D-Bronx), said he is open to changes.