AUSTIN, Texas — A new Texas law transferring the licensing and inspection of food trucks from local health departments to the Texas Department of State Health Services took effect Wednesday, requiring mobile food vendors to transition to a statewide permitting system.
House Bill 2844, known as the Food Truck Freedom Bill, assigns licensing and inspection oversight to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The law aims to simplify the permitting process for food truck operators who conduct business in multiple communities.
Some food truck owners said the transition has resulted in additional expenses.
Josh Sedwick, owner of Hungry J’s Pizza, said he spent nearly $3,000 after renewing local permits months before the new state requirements took effect.
“I got a year-long permit six months ago, and they’re telling me that’s not going to be good anymore,” Sedwick said. “I had to update and pay money for the new one.”
Daniel Thomas, co-owner of Anything Baked Potato, said the new system could benefit operators who travel to different cities.
“I think it will be worth it, especially if you like to travel like us,” Thomas said.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said it began accepting permit applications on June 4 and had received more than 3,000 applications as of June 30.
Austin Public Health said it has entered into an agreement with the state health department to conduct pre-licensing and routine inspections of mobile food vendors under state guidelines.
The department said it has informed local food truck operators about the transition through newsletters, website updates and a town hall meeting. It added that the state has published guidance in English and Spanish to help vendors comply with the new requirements.
Austin Public Health said food truck operators must continue to obtain required fire inspections and permits from their local governments.
