Bill > HB1577

This bill establishes a new statewide licensing system for mobile retail food establishments in Indiana, which includes food trucks, mobile vendors, and other movable food service businesses. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Indiana Department of Health will create a uniform statewide license that will replace existing local and county permits. The bill defines a mobile retail food establishment as any readily moveable retail food business with wheels, on skids, mounted on a vehicle, or a marine vessel, but excludes vehicles used solely for food transportation. Local health departments will be responsible for receiving license applications, collecting a $450 annual combined license and inspection fee (of which they retain $200 and send $250 to the state), issuing licenses, and conducting semiannual inspections. Owners of mobile food establishments with this statewide license will no longer need to obtain additional local permits or pay additional local fees. To develop this new system, the state department will establish a workgroup with representatives from each congressional district and will create comprehensive standards for licensing, inspection, and operation that ensure safe and sanitary food preparation across Indiana. The bill provides a transition period until January 1, 2027, by which time all mobile food establishment operators must obtain the new statewide license to continue operating in the state.