Texas to launch a statewide food truck permit on July 1

Key Points:

• Eloisa Schessler and her husband started a food truck business in Dallas to support their daughter recovering from a head injury; their daughter serves as sous chef and handles the truck's creative design, helping her regain her former self.
• House Bill 2844, effective July 1, introduces a statewide food truck operating permit in Texas, aiming to reduce costly and time-consuming city-by-city permits and inspections that currently hinder food truck expansion.
• The new law requires the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to license food trucks in three tiers based on food preparation methods, with fees ranging from $300 to $1,350 initially and $300 to $850 annually, plus potential inspection fees.
• While the statewide permit is welcomed by food truck owners for reducing financial burdens and allowing easier travel across cities, some local governments oppose it, fearing loss of control and revenue from permit fees.
• Local health departments may still respond to complaints but without permit fee revenue, raising concerns about unfunded mandates and slower responses to food truck violations in large cities like Austin.